By Martha Socolar
For over 50 years, the Brown Memorial Tutoring Program has helped Baltimore children learn to read. Each year 80-some students from three Baltimore City Public schools come to Brown Memorial to receive 75 minutes of one-on-one reading instruction each week with their very own volunteer tutor.
The tutoring program staff works closely with principals and teachers to identify students in grades one through five who would benefit most from individualized reading instruction. Most of these children are struggling in school and are well below grade level in reading. At Brown Memorial, we celebrate each child’s successes, whether small or large. Students make significant progress and experience the confidence and pride that comes with achievement.
Tutors come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are Brown church members, but most are not. Some have teaching experience; many have none at all.
Photos courtesy of Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian.
Each September, tutors are schooled in reading instruction based on Orton-Gillingham methodology, and workshops are also offered throughout the year. Program directors guide and support tutors, who also have access to an extensive library of teaching resources.
Brown Memorial generously supports the program. Even so, 80% of our annual budget relies on generous donations from individuals and foundations committed to advancing literacy and helping Baltimore City children succeed. Come visit us to experience the joy and magic that occurs daily at the tutoring program.
We need you! Contact director Martha Socolar (martha.socolar [at] comcast.net, 410-523-1542 x17) or browntutoring.org to become a volunteer tutor, make a donation or discover other ways to support the program.
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