JANUARY 2017 MARKETPLACECONTRACOSTA.COM 59 Leslie Basurto, volunteer with Jackie Wang, student on the first day of coaching at Korematsu Middle School WriterCoach program at Kennedy High School. “Yes, yes I do,” came her enthusiastic response. Like Fritz, many volunteers seek a stronger connection to their community or perhaps want to challenge themselves in a new way that benefits future generations. “There’s no other place I’ve found where I can go in and meet a complete stranger and have a pretty interesting conversation with this 15-year-old person who is the future of the community I live in” WriterCoach Connection has a proven track record of success supported by both research and student/faculty feedback. Overall, the program has seen improvement in student engagement and quality of assignment. More than 90% of students reported that coaches helped improve their writing, as well as turn in assignments. “I love my writing coach. It’s so helpful. It’s more than a connection. It’s a relationship. When it’s one on one with someone you know, you work harder, and you take feedback better,” said a 9th grade student at El Cerrito High School. The organization is now accepting new coaches for the Spring semester for all schools, although the need is particularly acute at El Cerrito High School where the number of ninth-grade English classes is increasing. To register as a volunteer coach or learn more about the program, please visit: writercoachconnection.org/ volunteer-registration.html WHAT’S HOLDING YOU BACK? As tempting as it may be to become a volunteer writer coach, we recognize that there may be some barriers ato taking that first step and joining. Following are a few answers to these concerns: • TIME. The organization is sensitive about overextending you, which is why the commitment is minimal: 2 hours/week, for roughly 12 weeks (one semester). • QUALIFICATIONS. Never considered yourself a good writer? WriterCoach Connection provides free thorough training and there are always site coordinators to help you channel your inner-coach/mentor. • ESTABLISHING RAPPORT. Talking to a teen seem unnatural? It isn’t—especially in a formal classroom setting where students tend to be respectful with volunteers. In addition, the free training covers how to establish rapport with students and includes student-coach role play to practice. So now that there’s nothing holding you back, what are you waiting for? Please visit the following website to learn more about how you can impact the academic lives of students in your community and apply for the program: writercoachconnection.org/ volunteer-registration
Contra Costa Marketplace - Jan 2017
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