Dorothy: One-on-one in the classroom
“You need to relate to each child individually and on their level,” reports Dorothy Miller. “And, it takes both time and patience. Eventually, you discover you can make a real difference.”
Dorothy Miller, age 67, is a dedicated volunteer for our Experience Corps program which engages people over age 50 in boosting literacy and academic performance in urban schools. After retiring from a long career as an education assistant and parent liaison at Andersen United School in Minneapolis, Ms. Miller has been working one-on-one with first graders at the same school since 2008.
“My work with Experience Corps is actually a continuation of what I did in the past,” says Ms. Miller. “I enjoy being in a school setting and it’s gratifying to know that I can help a child in their education and their life.”
Miller describes that she establishes a special connection with each of her One-on-one in the classroom students in order to effectively engage them in learning. “You’ve got to find a way to reach each child, if you can. Some are sad and lonely, others simply need a little help paying attention,” she explains.
One of her students, Tou*, isolated himself and would not speak. He liked to draw, so Ms. Miller bought him some colored pencils. “Drawing really helped him to open up,” she says. After that, Ms. Miller was able to work with him to strengthen his reading skills.
“It’s a gradual process. You’ve got to let them know what you expect,” Miller states. “For example, boys like to play around, so I play around – to a point.” To illustrate, Miller describes Dwon* as a smart student who simply wasn’t reaching his potential because of assorted classroom shenanigans. “I encouraged him to try harder and actually helped him more by helping him less,” she reveals.
Ms. Miller points out Experience Corps members are an important anchor for the kids in the classroom, but that the work can sometimes be grueling. So why does she do it?
“Experience Corps gives me a sense of purpose and something worthwhile to do, plus I enjoy being a part of the Experience Corps community. If you love what you are doing, it’s easier,” she reports.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.