After 35 years as an educator, Leslie Hodes could spend her days with friends, in her garden, or traveling around the world. Instead, the retired teacher and principal shares her love of learning at Cluster Tutoring.
A Cluster tutor for two-and-a-half years, Leslie works with 6th grader Teshell. The two meet on Cluster’s Thursday night program at First United Church of Oak Park.
For Leslie and Teshell, learning doesn’t stop when school is out. The two meet for tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the summer. But Leslie shares the wealth of her teaching: She also has been providing literacy support to three other Cluster students over the summer.
“I think Cluster is extraordinary, and we make a huge difference,” Leslie said. She loves how students and tutors stay together for many years and build long-term relationships.
“My greatest joy is making a difference in the lives of kids. I love working with kids who have significant learning challenges and watching them grow, progress, flourish, and feel better about themselves. It’s a gift to be able to do that.”
Teshell agrees and says she appreciates all of Leslie’s help. “Leslie won’t give up on you. I don’t stop working until I reach my goals.”