Once a Teacher, Always a Teacher- A Thank You to Heart’s Retired and Former Teacher Tutors

May 7, 2026

At Heart Math Tutoring, we believe every student can succeed and that every volunteer, regardless of their background or experience, has something meaningful to offer to the students they’re paired with. That said, Teacher Appreciation Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate a very special group of tutors: our former and retired teacher volunteers, whose passion for education and years of classroom experience make them highly impactful tutors. We’re happy to be shining the spotlight on three retired teachers from Blythe Elementary who have come full circle, returning to the school community they love as Heart volunteer tutors: Diatricia Willis, Stacy Hancock, and Stacy Sivick. Read on to hear what keeps them coming back!

Stacy Sivick, Second-Year Heart Tutor

“After retirement from Blythe Elementary I knew I wanted to be a Heart volunteer. I was familiar with the program and was interested in being a tutor. 

The relationships, the encouragement, and the smiles on their faces are my favorite things about tutoring.”

Diatricia Willis, Third-Year Heart Tutor

“Having taught at Blythe Elementary School for 20 years until retirement in 2022, it felt like home away from home. The staff, students, and parents are amazing, and I wanted to go back and volunteer in some capacity. I remembered seeing the happy volunteers at Blythe in years past, and knew that I wanted to take part in this tutoring opportunity. The program is run well, all lesson plans and materials are provided, and the coordinators are fantastic and so helpful! However, what I love the most are the scholars that I get to work with each week! They all come eagerly as we briefly talk before beginning the tutoring sessions, try their best with lots of encouragement and praise during the lessons, and leave with stickers and smiles on their faces! It is wonderful to witness the growth and confidence in the scholars over the months that I am blessed to work with them!”

Stacy Hancock, Second-Year Heart Tutor

“Being a Heart Math tutor at Blythe allows me to keep a connection with public schools while at the same time helping students develop confidence and skills in math. It gives me an opportunity to make a difference in the academic success of the students I serve in the program.”

Heart is grateful for the shared commitment of Diatricia, Stacy, and Stacy to Blythe Elementary students and for the teaching expertise they bring to each tutoring session to help their students grow! Thank you for volunteering with Heart!