Fourth-grader Chassidy and her tutor Spencer have been working together at Learning Edge Tutoring since Chassidy was in first grade. Having started tutoring sessions in-person, they pivoted during the pandemic to virtual tutoring. During the last school year, they started meeting up again in-person one night a week.
“What I like about Spencer is she’s a really great teacher,” says Chassidy. “I like having her as a tutor and she’s helping me more and more.”
Together, they work on reading, math, science, and other homework Chassidy receives from school. “We spend a lot of time on reading,” Spencer says. “That’s really important.”
Chassidy’s favorite subject is reading, and she likes to read at home for at least thirty minutes each day. “Sometimes I get stuck on words and Spencer helps me a lot,” Chassidy mentions. She also likes subtraction and adding in math.
From the years they have spent getting to know each other, Chassidy and Spencer have learned how to make the most out of each tutoring session. “I like to have a game plan, so we’re not flailing around,” Spencer explains. They start off each meeting by talking about their day and then what they are going to do. For example, Spencer will ask Chassidy, “are you in the mood for math? So, we start with math. Or do you want to do reading? Or if you have any homework.”
In addition to their weekly tutoring sessions, Chassidy and Spencer occasionally get together on Saturdays with Leslie Hodes, the Learning Edge Board President. “Leslie helps me with sounding our words and separating the letters,” says Chassidy.
“She knows how to teach people how to read,” Spencer adds. “Leslie helped teach you how to read.”
One of Chassidy’s favorite parts of Learning Edge are all the books to choose from. She also likes the people at the program. “There are so many nice people,” Spencer agrees.
Chassidy enjoys having Spencer as her tutor because of her kindness. “I like working with Spencer because of how nice she is, and her kids are nice to me. She is a good person,” Chassidy says. “I’d say she is a talented, brave, and a kind woman.”
When asked about what she appreciates about Learning Edge, Spencer highlights her love for this community. “If you have a question, there is someone with an answer. I didn’t know what I was doing when I joined, and I have gotten so much support and help,” Spencer says.
“It’s been fun getting to know Chassidy, that’s an absolute highlight. I kind of won the lottery getting randomly paired with her,” Spencer continues. “Chassidy is amazing. She’s got so much spunk and personality. She’s blessed with so much energy and a good personality. You make friends so easily. You’re a very hard worker, and you take your studies seriously. Even when it gets hard, you get frustrated sometimes, but usually we can keep you going. And all kids get frustrated, adults too, when they’re learning. That’s normal.”
Chassidy also expresses gratitude for Spencer and her family. “I’m happy that I have all this support and a family who loves me, cares for me, and helps me out on tough challenges,” she says. “Thank you, Ms. Spencer for all the help that you have given me, the support, and the lessons. And I want to say thank you for Learning Edge for helping me with the goals I am trying to do.”
When Chassidy and Spencer are not meeting up for a tutoring session, they like to get together for lunch, park visits, and to see movies at the theater. Over the summer, Spencer would pick up Chassidy from an acting camp and go with her to the library.
Chassidy and Spencer exemplify the essence of Learning Edge Tutoring being more than tutoring—it’s about establishing lifelong, supportive relationships.