Tutoring Opportunities

America Reads/America Counts Tutoring Program

What is America Reads/America Counts?

The America Reads/America Counts Challenge started as a national initiative whose goal was for every child to be able to read and perform mathematics by a certain milestone.  The purpose of the initiative was to bring community partners together to work towards this goal.  Drury University along with its students, the areas' Title 1 schools, community agencies and the initiative of the America Reads/America Counts Challenge developed a partnership to ensure that every child in our community reads well and understands mathematical functions through organized tutoring.

When can I start work as an America Reads/America Counts tutor?

Tutors are hired at the beginning of the school year, or as needed throughout the school year.  Tutors must be eligible to receive work study grants and must go through the application process.


What is the tutoring position like?

Tutors are placed at local sites.  They work in classrooms at local schools assisting the students with school work or activities, or they work in nearby after-school agencies assisting the students with homework, playing educational games with the students or simply holding conversations with the students to help build literacy skills.  Tutors develop their work schedules based on their personal needs and the needs of the tutoring sites.  Tutors report to the Volunteer Services Coordinator at Drury and also their site supervisors at their tutoring site.  Positions can be for one semester only or both semesters. 

Possible tutoring sites include:

  • Boyd Elementary School
  • Pipkin Middle School
  • Bailey Alternative High School
  • Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield (Musgrave Unit, Henderson Unit or Stalnaker Unit)
  • Culture Club at Central Christian Church


How do I get involved with America Reads/America Counts?

If you are interested in learning more please contact Emily Journagan, the Volunteer Services Coordinator, in the Office of Community Outreach and Leadership Development at 417-873-6803 or stop by FSC 117.

Here is what past tutors have said in regards to their experience as a tutor:

"My experience as a tutor has been a positive one.  I feel that I have made a difference in how well the children can read and comprehend subjects and have given them a better overall attitude towards school." -- Erick Martin.

"I have really enjoyed tutoring this semester.  There is a definite satisfaction in helping kids succeed in school.  I feel like I have really been able to help the kids that I work with.  I love doing this because I'm a part of something that is really making in difference in Springfield." -- Kerstin Steiner.

What do I do if I do not have a work study award but I would like to work with this program?

If you do not have a work study award but would still like to participate in the America Reads/America Counts tutoring program you must do so on a volunteer basis.  Please contact Emily Journagan at ejournagan@drury.edu, stop by FSC 117 or call 873-6803.