Heart Math Tutoring Kicks Off Annual Volunteer Recruitment Campaign
July 20, 2021
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – July 20, 2021 – Heart Math Tutoring is looking for volunteer tutors (http://heartmathtutoring.org/volunteers/become-a-volunteer/#volunteer) to support over 1,150 students in the 2021/22 school year. Did you know that, even before accounting for COVID-19 related school closures, 49% of fourth graders in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools performed below grade level in math[1]? And that school closures and distance learning have compounded the need for individualized, one-on-one tutoring to get students back on track[2]? A poor foundation in math can have negative consequences for a student’s early self-identity as a successful student and long-term opportunities.
Heart Math Tutoring (HMT) (http://heartmathtutoring.org/) – a local nonprofit organization committed to helping students in CMS elementary schools develop a strong foundation in math and enthusiasm for academics – is kicking off its annual volunteer recruitment campaign for the 2021/22 school year. HMT’s goal is to serve 1,150 students by recruiting approximately 1,400 volunteer tutors between now and mid-September.
As a volunteer tutor with Heart Math Tutoring, your addition makes a difference! During the 2020/21 school year, 969 tutors delivered more than 10,000 virtual tutoring sessions to 515 CMS students! Ninety percent (90%) of HMT students grew to mastery or demonstrated growth in at least one new HMT concept. Just 30 minutes or one hour per week can have a profound impact on a student’s success.
“Even though I don’t teach math the tutoring has an effect beyond math. Once a student feels confident in one subject area, they are eager to see what else they can be successful with!” – Huntingtowne Farms Elementary School Teacher
Volunteering with Heart Math Tutoring is Simple
Heart Math Tutoring volunteers commit to weekly tutoring sessions that last either 30 minutes or one hour. Barring unforeseen circumstances, HMT anticipates providing in-person tutoring services in 17 elementary schools, with another 6 schools offering virtual volunteer tutoring opportunities. Math does not have to be a strong subject for volunteers because HMT provides a structured elementary-level curriculum that features hands-on activities and math games. If you can count, you can be a tutor! A staff member is always available during tutoring sessions to make sure tutors have what they need. Volunteer opportunities are available at schools throughout Charlotte-Mecklenburg. We invite you to check out our school locations and available tutoring times. (http://heartmathtutoring.org/volunteers/become-a-volunteer/#locations).
“This is my first time tutoring for Heart Math [Tutoring] and the experience so far has been phenomenal. I love seeing my students enthusiasm as they learn new concepts each week and get challenged.”
- Anonymous Mid-Year Tutor Survey, 2021
Ninety seven percent (97%) of 443 tutors surveyed had a positive experience in 2020/21. See what other volunteer tutors have to say about volunteering as a Heart tutor. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaXHMefC-Dg)
Support the Campaign
Today is the official kickoff of Heart Math Tutoring’s Volunteer Recruitment Campaign; here’s how you can help us spread the word: Journalists are invited to run this story in upcoming editions of publications. For employers and civic groups, HMT would be happy to send team members to your location to present information on the need, to deliver a virtual information session, or to provide an insert for a company newsletter. Current volunteer tutors are encouraged to sign up today and share the volunteer recruitment campaign with colleagues, family members, and friends. And everyone can post on their favorite social media outlets using the campaign hashtags – #YourAdditionMakesADifference and #VolunteerWithHMT
Heart Math Tutoring
Heart Math Tutoring is a Charlotte-based nonprofit with a mission to ensure that all elementary students develop the strong foundation in math and enthusiasm for academics needed for long-term success, by helping schools use volunteers as tutors. Community members commit one hour per week to deliver an effective, hands-on curriculum through one-on-one tutoring sessions during the school day in high-poverty elementary schools. For more information, visit http://heartmathtutoring.org.
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CONTACT:
Emily Elliott Gaffney – Heart Math Tutoring – 980.292.2297
Mary Lauren Bishop – Heart Math Tutoring – 423.504.0120
[1] Source: 2019 NC End of Grade tests.
[2] Source: Pellegrini et al., Effective Programs in Elementary Mathematics: A Meta-Analysis, 2021.
