I nominated Lynn because she is not only dedicated to helping School on Wheels in any way she can, but she is incredibly dedicated to her student, as well. Lynn is a one of our volunteer ambassadors and she has gone above and beyond to help us transition to online tutoring. As a retired educator, she has reached out to school districts in her area to spread the word about School on Wheels and get information about their distance learning programs. But her main focus is her student and the connection they have made together. She is an incredible volunteer!
Chris Walsh, Coordinator
My neighbor is a CASA volunteer and she recommended School on Wheels to me. Being a retired educator I wanted to continue contributing. One memory that stands out is when I took my student and her mother on a field trip to a CLU Women’s Volleyball game. Her excitement grew as we walked into the gymnasium and grew even more so as she watched the girls play! Her smile never left her face, she looked around so often with her eyes wide open and joined in with the cheering! As a tutor, I benefit from this relationship as much as my student. This experience is so very rewarding!
Rami Izadyar
Region 4
Rami is simply the best volunteer. She is also one of our ambassadors for Region 4. Rami goes above and beyond to help her student and SOW; she jumps right in there, helping with everything from tabling events to admin support. I can always count on her.
Kristina Rakosh, Coordinator
I was doing research online about a charity organization to volunteer with and after a ton of research came across School on Wheels. I was hooked from the start. I was not happy with the state of inaction at national and state level about basic issues such as homelessness, education and health. The ramifications of these issues are so huge that no society can afford to not deal with them. So I got tired of waiting and started acting on it at a personal level. One day when I was tutoring my student in the library, classmates of my students stopped by to say hi and he very proudly introduced me to them: “This is MY Tutor”! If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity with a far-reaching impact, this is it. The child you tutor is going to carry this good will for all of his/her life, and most probably pay it forward.
Phillip Chung
Region 6
Phillip recently became a Tutor Coordinator in the region. All the students love Phillip! He has an incredible ability to relate to any student he encounters and pours his attention and dedication into all that he does at School on Wheels. I’m incredibly grateful for Phillip and all that he gives of himself to his students and to School on Wheels.
Stephanie Swenseid, Coordinator
I was raised with a strong emphasis on education, so I believe it is my duty to leverage this background to help these students reach their highest potential. One student I have been tutoring struggled to read and avoided every chance to do so. I would incorporate math and reading lessons into every session, along with a wild-card lesson of his choice. Without fail, he chose non-reading lessons for his wild-card — but I noticed he was gradually improving. In a recent session, I was overjoyed when he opted to read for his wild-card lesson! It showed how he’d become more confident in his abilities, willing to take challenges. If you have a passion to serve, I think you will find School on Wheels incredibly fun and rewarding. If you don’t have any teaching experience, that’s okay! Your passion and intuition will kick in to guide the way as you grow alongside these incredible students.
Dana Altschuler
Region 7
I nominated Dana because she is an AMAZING advocate for her student and his family. She is constantly looking to enhance her tutoring sessions with fun and diverse activities to help her student look forward to learning. Dana is creative and immensely passionate about ensuring that her student succeeds. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, her resourcefulness, kindness, and patience have stood as a consistent and reliable component in her student’s life.
Maxine Faustino, Coordinator
I started volunteering with School on Wheels because I love to read…it’s an escape into an imaginary world. I wanted to help kids enjoy reading (and school)! My student and I sometimes make faces over our video call screens. He can make really funny faces! Thinking of that makes me smile. I would tell any person who is considering volunteering with kids to recall how they were as a child, what they thought of school, homework, math etc., and with that in mind, go for it! Bring some peace and joy to someone else who REALLY needs it.
The amount of energy, time, and effort Sasana contributes is simply incomparable. She volunteers as an Ambassador, Tutor Coordinator (TC) and tutor. She also tables at events and helps with community outreach. Sasana was my TC when I joined School on Wheels as a volunteer. She is truly inspirational! – Manmeet Sodhi, Regional Coordinator
I started volunteering with School on Wheels because I felt that I needed to get out there and help somebody. I gain so much by giving a little bit of time and attention to my students and their families. It gives me a special kind of thrill to see the students respond to someone coming to see them and check in with their progress. I have been extra thrilled with my current student and his love of reading. When we started, I would read one page and he would read the next, because “that’s just too many words for me to read!” Now when we meet he will start telling me about our current book’s adventures and plot twists, even before we even get into the tutoring room! I always tell anyone interested in volunteering for School on Wheels to go for it. We have so many students needing help! Just starting with one student or in a group setting, you will quickly see how much this means to them. Anyone who volunteers to help these kids will get much more than they give.
Pamela and David are two of the most incredible tutors I’ve ever met. Their patience and dedication to their students show how much they value them and their education. They have true passion and unique teaching strategies, which are the main reasons why I chose them to be Region 2’s Volunteers of the Year. These two never cease to amaze me! – Carlie Whittaker, Volunteer Support Coordinator
(Pamela) Several years ago, I was on a hike with a friend and her friend. I had just started a new job as an in-home tutor for the SAT/ACT, and my friend’s friend remarked that she was volunteering for an organization that provided tutoring for homeless students. I was interested and looked up School on Wheels when I got home. A few years after that, I saw a School on Wheels flyer in my local Starbucks and knew it was time for me to contact the organization! I knew my partner David would be interested in helping too, so when I got home, we both got online and applied. I’ve gained a lot of satisfaction working with children to improve both their academic skills and their self-confidence/self-esteem. The students I tutor for my job are fortunate enough to have parents with the financial means to provide them with tutoring. I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive; our country and our planet will be better off because of it. If you feel a pull towards volunteering, follow it! You will gain as much from the experience as they will!
(David) What Pamela told me about School on Wheels piqued my interest, as I wanted to help tutor kids in Math and Science. The next time I was in that Starbucks, I saw the flyer she mentioned myself and realized that it was an organization created to help tutor homeless kids. That was a win-win for me. I grew up as an Army brat. While exposing me to the diversity of this country, moving around so much in my childhood meant I was always the “new kid,” trying to fit into a new social environment. It was never easy, and I immediately identified with what these kids were going through emotionally, having no real security in their home environment, being thrust into different schools and never quite fitting in. My own past gave me insights into helping them learn, being patient with them, and showing them how important an education is. My first student, someone I was able to help overcome problems with math, gave me a small notebook as a gift. Inside it I found a very moving note, thanking me for my help. It doesn’t get any better than that! School on Wheels has many resources available for you, so you’re not alone in this. Take advantage of what they have to offer and be there for a child. It will be so good for your soul.
Elizabeth has gone above and beyond as a Tutor Coordinator in her dedication to the students at Bible Tabernacle! She works at UCLA as a postdoctoral researcher in physics during the week, and leads group tutoring at Bible Tabernacle on Saturdays. She is highly communicative and does an excellent job empowering the tutors she coordinates. – Alex Toutant, Volunteer Support Coordinator
I spent much of my first year in Los Angeles working in a dark basement laboratory. When I realized I wanted to participate in the lively, light-filled community carrying on above my head, I decided to volunteer. I love encouraging childrens’ interest in academics. I particularly love the intimate environment of tutoring, which allows us to enjoy and take pride in every accomplishment, in real time. There have been many memorable moments, but my favorite is when my dad was visiting from out of town and came by to pick me up from tutoring. The moment he arrived, a 5-year-old student in our group ran up to him, presented his illustration of a flatulence-propelled superhero, and proudly proclaimed that he’d drawn “something inappropriate!” The time I spend with these children lights up my whole week. I’ve been working with them for over a year and a half now, and it’s bittersweet watching them grow up before my eyes. Anyone who decides to volunteer, remember that consistency is key, both for honing one’s tutoring skills and for earning the students’ trust.
Marina has been such a rock solid volunteer. When the previous Tutor Coordinator left, she immediately stepped in to take over. She is a Tutor Coordinator at a site where group tutoring takes place two times a week and where two groups of tutors volunteer. She stays on top of communication with the volunteers, shelter staff, and me. She is so dedicated and reliable and she enjoys making special bonds with the kids she meets. I am so fortunate to have her as a Tutor Coordinator in my region. – Kristina Rakosh, Regional Coordinator
I found School on Wheels looking for volunteer opportunities that my children could participate in as well. We’ve done many other types of volunteer work, but this is the one that really speaks to me. I believe strongly in the idea that “it takes a village.” I did not have the happiest of childhoods and have had my fair share of struggles as an adult. Those experiences make you really appreciate the kindness of a stranger; if I can be that act of kindness for one person, especially a young person trying to make it in this world, then I feel like I’ve done my part. These kids really need us and so do their parents; you’ll be surprised to find how much you get out of giving a little of yourself. The gratitude these students show, the effort they put into their work, the excitement in their eyes when they make a breakthrough…it’s all truly priceless.
I nominated Matt because of his passion for School on Wheels. In addition to tutoring high school students at a tough placement, he also on-boards all new tutors at the youth campus. He wanted to provides families with more resources & even partnered with Lion’s Sight & Hearing Foundation and California Friends in Sight to bring free prescriptions glasses to families in need! – Jesse Pasquan, Volunteer Support Coordinator
After barely surviving my childhood, I entered the system at 14 under the legal category of “abandoned.” As you might imagine, education was never a central concern during that chaotic period of my life. It was only after I aged out of the system (at 18, with no further support) that I truly understood how much I needed an education, and how far behind I was. Many years later, after earning my 2nd degree, I decided to volunteer as a tutor; it was where I thought I could do the most good, and I often receive. A few years ago I was tutoring two 15yr old boys. The three of us decided to read The Outsiders, then watch the movie as well. The boys really identified with the book, even calling each other Ponyboy and Soda (after characters from the story). Years later, both of these young men reached out to me to express their gratitude. For me, at 50 years old, there are few things in my life that have been more personally fulfilling than being a volunteer tutor for School on Wheels. Changing the course of a river is hard, but changing the course of a young person’s life can be surprisingly less so, and that change could come from you. It is a commitment to be sure, but if you are willing, the payoff is huge. You can do so much good for these kids, for the community, and for yourself.
Wendy is a passionate, dedicated, and creative tutor who embodies our mission and values as an organization. She creates fun ways to connect and engage with her student and they are always doing something really unique and memorable. Wendy goes above and beyond when it comes to her student, always looking for ways to contribute to their life in a way that will positively impact them far beyond their tutoring sessions together. She not only focuses on academics, but is also an incredible role model, mentor and positive adult. I’m truly grateful for Wendy, and very proud of all she does. She’s a beautiful example of what a giving heart looks like. – Stephanie Swenseid, Regional Coordinator
Service has always been in my heart from a young age. I started volunteering in 2013 and I’m close to my 7 yrs. of service with School on Wheels now. Initially I wanted to commit to a year but I really love School on Wheels and the service of helping and mentoring the students. I’m a lifelong nerd and a teacher. School on Wheels gives me an opportunity to use my talents to help kids who need it most. Over time, I’ve seen the positive impact I can make by being a consistent presence in my student’s life. My student always rushes to come work with me at the library, while her sisters trail behind. A couple of months ago, my student told me that in the past, she would just fill out her reading log daily and ask her mom to sign it, without actually completing the task. Then she shared how much she loves to read books now, and enjoys reading on her own. This made my heart so happy. Be the light by blessing others. As a School on Wheels volunteer and mentor, you can make such a difference in a student’s life.
I nominated Elyse for Volunteer of the Year because she is incredibly dedicated. She not only displays perseverance and kindness to her students, but also extends these qualities to her fellow tutors when working with them at group sites. – Maxine Faustino, Volunteer Support Coordinator
I’m a former teacher, and was looking for ways to use my skills, be around students again, and give back to the community. When I got the facts about how many homeless children there are in Los Angeles county, I wanted to be of service. My first student was much older than I had expected and was as tall as me. I didn’t know how much help I could be, but over the nine months I had the privilege of working with him, he really opened up to me and I quickly saw that I could help him. I was so honored every time he shared his feelings and life with me. A highlight was when he quoted me back to myself, saying, “gotta work smarter, not harder!” If you’re thinking about volunteering, I’d say do it! Our job as tutors is about so much more than academics. Any caring adult can help these students. Everyone has something they can contribute to enrich students’ lives. Please don’t be intimated! And if you are, come talk to me! I have tons of teacher tools and I’m always happy to share. Sign up today; you will never regret it!
I nominated Elizabeth as my Volunteer of the Year because she is a dedicated tutor who is also a TC in the Santa Barbara area. She facilitates first sessions with new tutors and their students and has also been a huge part of launching and participating in the Sunday Sessions tutoring program at the Transition House Emergency Shelter. She helps to enroll new students in the School on Wheels program, distributes backpacks and school supplies and continues to meet weekly with her student, Miranda, who she has been tutoring since November of 2018. – Chris Walsh, Regional Coordinator
I had been involved in STEM outreach and mentoring programs through my university, but I realized that many of those programs are geared toward students from more privileged backgrounds. I have worked with high school students in the past and enjoy teaching. Volunteering with School on Wheels has helped me continue working with kids, and I also think it is particularly important to help less privileged groups and provide them with as many resources as possible to succeed. One memory that makes me smile was with the first student I tutored. Initially, working on math with her was met with a lot of resistance and I felt at a loss in how to engage her in a topic she didn’t like. Then one week, while working on another topic, she actually asked me if we could practice adding fractions using the method I had gone over with her the previous week! It was a reminder to me that we often won’t see improvements during a single hour, but spending an hour a week, regularly, makes a big difference in helping students come out of their shell and be more confident. Volunteering with School on Wheels has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made since moving to Santa Barbara. I encourage anyone who is interested to jump at the opportunity.
Steven has been nothing but an amazing support and a wonderful role model to his student Julian. His kindness, dedication, and commitment to Julian and his family is inspiring. He is proactive and has taken the initiative to make sure logistical issues don’t hinder them from consistently meeting. He exhibits incredible understanding, kindness, and flexibility. He also followed Julian from South Orange County to North Orange County, even though that has meant driving 70 minutes just to get to tutoring! – Danait Berhe, Regional Team Leader / Genesis Torres, Volunteer Support Coordinator
I had my first meeting with my student in June of 2019. My student has had a tough, tough life. He is shy and a bit introverted, so anytime I can make him smile makes my day. Of course when he completes a tough assignment and we “high five,” that is also a time to smile! Volunteering as a tutor is very rewarding. Sometimes you need to be patient, as the student’s situation is not easy. They may have difficulty communicating, or any number of other issues or hurdles to get around, but it is well worth it, and you do make a difference. That is the key: you make a difference, even if it is not always obvious.
I truly don’t even know where to begin with Barb. She is truly one of the most incredible people I have ever met. She goes above and beyond for everyone around her. Getting to see how much her student, Modesto, trusts her and leans on her for support is truly inspiring. Barb is really an anchor for Modesto and shows it through her constant care and desire to help him succeed in every aspect of his life. In addition, Barb is a tremendous support to all of our tutors AND shelters. She is a gift to our students, tutors, and world. Thank you, thank you! – Katie Philipson, Volunteer Stupport Coordinator
I started volunteering with School on Wheels because I had recently retired from teaching special education and was excited to find a way to use my skills and training to work with students again. I have a strong belief that all children have the ability to overcome obstacles in learning if they are taught in ways that make sense to them. School on Wheels has been the perfect place for me to teach children while interacting with amazing staff and tutors who are committed and creative. I have been working for over a year with a 5th grade boy with autism. He has an expansive vocabulary and often surprises me with his astute and thoughtful comments. When speaking about his grandmother he said, “She has significant hearing loss, but I have learned it’s best not to take advantage of that fact.” I would encourage anyone who is thinking of volunteering to pursue this opportunity. Our students are at a disadvantage in so many areas of life and having a tutor makes a huge difference. For anyone volunteering, tutoring is a chance to step outside of yourself and share your knowledge, care, and concern for someone who needs you.
Debra has been consistent, positive, and extremely helpful. I can always count on her assistance with ANYTHING at the Skid Row Learning Center. She excels at working with our Middle School and High School students, but is willing to take on an challenge. We appreciate all that she does! – Jason Wright, Skid Row Learning Center Instructor
As a retired teacher of 36 years, I knew I wanted to continue working in education after retirement. After moving to Los Angeles from St. Louis and learning about School on Wheels, I felt it would be a good fit for me. And sure enough, every time I volunteer, a student makes me smile. One of my favorite tutoring stories is when I asked a kindergarten whether she was using a tube of paint, and she said no — despite having one tucked in her little hand. In her nervousness, though, she squeezed the tube and paint burst out in all directions, mostly landing on me. We were both startled, but it was so funny that I laughed until I fell into a chair. The student immediately started trying to wipe the paint out of my hair and off my face, and she said, “if only I had told the truth!” We were best friends from then on! I learn from the students. I enjoy the ah-ha moments when the student gets the lesson, I love the challenges when we play brain games or they teach me a new game, and I am amazed at their wisdom and humor. Volunteer for the kids, but also because it will do your heart good!
Kate runs a class every Friday for SRLC students who need intensive literacy assistance. She is consistent, positive, and genuine. She is a great tutor and an even more amazing person! – Jason Wright, Skid Row Learning Center Instructor
I wanted to volunteer because my day job is working with middle class kids who have learning disabilities, and whose parents can afford to pay me to give their kids extra help. I wanted to pay some of that forward to kids who aren’t so lucky and don’t have those same resources. There are so many experiences that make me smile, but the warmth I feel when I walk into the Skid Row Learning Center and hear, “Miss Kate! Miss Kate!,” is so beautiful. It’s a cliche, but I get so much more than I give. I tell people all the time about School on Wheels and I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t want to volunteer! These kids deserve so much more than what they’ve been given, and they are so happy to receive a little special attention. It is an easy way to make a difference, show a child that you care, and feel really good about the time you spend volunteering.
Julliana is an incredible volunteer who goes above and beyond with her student, Kie. Kie is several grade levels behind, and her family lives in an RV, making it incredibly difficult for Kie to keep up in school. Julliana is super patient, understanding, and flexible to Kie’s needs. Julliana tutors Kie multiple hours per week, and is constantly coming up with creative ideas to help Kie learn and improve Kie’s confidence. – Emma Gerch, Online Tutoring Coordinator
After graduating from high school, I wanted to try a wide variety of different experiences; when I heard about a program that consists of tutoring and students living in impoverished situations, it clicked with me right away. Now that I’ve been with School on Wheels for roughly a year, I have found that volunteering has expanded my view on how to approach teaching, keeping a strong line of communication. It is an amazing way to help kids who are struggling to get back on their feet. One experience that truly made me smile was the first time my student proposed that she wanted to write her own book. I enthusiastically agreed. We worked together to come up with an outline and fill in a dramatic arc to plot out the story. She wrote and illustrated each section of the book. It was around Christmas time when it was completed, so as a surprise I went to a local Kinkos and had the book printed and bound. I sent the book to her, along with other Christmas goodies. Her reaction was so wonderful and left a very big impression on me. Volunteering creates a completely new environment that both the student and tutor can learn from. Being a part of School on Wheels teaches you patience, kindness, and tenacity — important skills that can be difficult to learn. Your student comes to rely on you, and you know that your teaching can positively impact them for the rest of their life. So go out there and help a student in need!
John is a very experienced in-person and online tutor. He has worked with dozens of students of all grade levels and backgrounds over the years, but particularly excels with high school students. He has been an incredible mentor and tutor for his current student, who lives in a group foster home. John demonstrates flexibility, patience, understanding, and empathy in all of his sessions. – Emma Gerch, Online Tutoring Coordinator
One of my great interests is the subject of mathematics, and I was looking for an opportunity to share my love of the subject with young people who were struggling with it. Before volunteering with School on Wheels, I had been a volunteer tutor on a website called Algebra.com, where students of all ages would post their math questions. Over a 12-year period, I provided well over 23,000 explanations and solutions to students having difficulty with their mathematics. Hence, my initial foray into the world of volunteering was to present myself as a mathematics tutor — but as I became involved with School on Wheels, one of the things I discovered was that having such a narrow focus did not fit the model; I had to have the flexibility to deal with not only Mathematics, but Language Arts, Sciences, History, Geography, and so on. One of the things that made me smile was the epiphany that I could actually be effective in providing students with guidance in nearly any subject. My one piece of advice to a new or prospective tutor is to be creative and teach creativity; make your students think for themselves and question everything.
Suzanne is an absolutely incredible online tutor. She uses all the tools available to her to expertly meet the needs of her students — even putting together her own lesson plans and presentations. As a professional educator, she brings invaluable expertise to our program. She has such a nurturing spirit, and is great at making our students feel seen and appreciated.
Emma Gerch, Coordinator
I was a middle and high school English teacher for many years. Since I am no longer in the classroom, I found that I was missing the kids. Also, I thought that working with School on Wheels would be particularly rewarding at this stage in my career as an educator. One evening when I happened to mention the strategic use of repetition (the rhetorical device “anaphora”) in regard to something we were reading, my student Zyarre said, “You mean like when Martin Luther King, Jr. keeps repeating the phrase “I have a dream”? Zyarre had read the speech in school and very perceptively applied the new term I was introducing. I would tell any potential volunteer that working with a School on Wheels student will brighten your day and enrich your life.
Phillip DeSautell
Region 7
Mr. Phillip goes above and beyond to help the students at the SRLC. Phillip volunteers multiple times a week and works efficiently and effectively. The students look forward to receiving his help every week!
Jason Wright, Coordinator
My wife told me about volunteering opportunities she had seen in the monthly AARP Magazine, and School on Wheels was one of the ones listed. It appealed to me, because it was for children with a background somewhat like mine. I had a teacher that took special interest in me and helped “boost” me along in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grades. Sometimes kids just need a little “boost” to get them on the right learning track. I want to be that boost for one, or some, of these kids if I can be. One memory that stands out for me so far is when I questioned the ability of a student to read at her grade level. She looked me straight in the eyes and said “No I can’t, but I can learn.” That simple sentence will be with me for the remainder of my life, and it makes me smile for what ALL of us tutors do for these kids. Bringing tutoring help to these students will add far more value to your life than you can ever add to theirs! It is an honor.
Tony Estrada
Region 1
Tony has been with us since 2012 and is always going above and beyond for the kids he tutors. In 2019 he transitioned from one-on-one tutoring sessions to group tutoring, starting with one group session a week. Now Tony hosts three sessions every week to help as many kids he can. He is extremely patient, non-judgmental, and friendly but firm with his students. It is a treat to observe his sessions.
Manmeet Sodhi, Coordinator
A few years ago I was at Comic Con and found myself thinking about what it took to be a “real super hero.” A week later, I was listening to a podcast and an actress was talking about how great it was to be tutoring for School On Wheels. When I thought about it, I realized that helping kids in need was a way to actually make an impact. I remember when I was helping a little girl who was literally years behind in school. She had a bit of an attitude. She was very tough and sassy with me. We doubled my hours, PLUS we had another tutor helping, and gradually, her Fs and Ds became As, Bs and Cs. On the last day of tutoring, I thought she was going to be sassy with me like usual, but instead she thanked me for helping her succeed in a way she never thought she could. Her mom sent me the nicest text I have ever received. It was all so touching that I still get teary eyed about it after all these years. Helping these kids has literally made me a better and happier person.
I nominated Charlotte for Volunteer of the Month because she consistently shows her dedication to her students and School on Wheels. I can always count on her to be attentive, patient, and kind at her sessions. Charlotte demonstrates true passion and professionalism, and we are lucky to have her as a volunteer!
Carlie Whittaker, Coordinator
I found School on Wheels while looking for service opportunities on VolunteerMatch. I am interested in social justice and working with people at the community level. Tutoring students sounded like one of the best ways for me to give back because, of course, the public school system was something I had plenty of experience with. I have so many favorite experiences, but I was meeting a new family one day when I asked the children what they wanted to be when they grew older. They started jumping up and down, shouting that they wanted to be “just like me” — even though I had only known them for an hour! You should always be flexible and patient as a tutor. However, you might be surprised at how loving the students are, and how much they will come to appreciate even a little bit of your time.
Gloria Brooks
Region 7
Gloria is such a great example to her student and exemplifies patience, consistency, and generosity. She takes the time to get to know every student she works with and creates impactful relationships with them. Gloria provides so much positivity and faith in her students. Her encouraging and supportive manner aids her students in believing in themselves and helps them reach their goals!
Maxine Faustino, Coordinator
I feel that getting a good education is part of the solution to breaking the cycle of poverty. I joined School on Wheels as a volunteer tutor because I wanted to be a part of the process that enables children to have that opportunity. A favorite memory of mine is from a time I was working on an art project with my student. She revealed a side of herself that I had not seen before; she relaxed while she worked and began sharing her thoughts, dreams, likes, and dislikes, and so on. She was enjoying the project so much that she asked me to stay longer until she was finished, and I ended up spending a least a half-hour after my scheduled time ended. That really warmed my heart. To anyone thinking of becoming a volunteer tutor, I would say do it! You can make quite an impact on the students academically and in other ways, and you will feel so rewarded when you see the positive results.
Derrick Stephens
Region 10
Derrick has been dedicated to not only his student but the entire family since the day he started. Derrick has a way to make everyone around him (including other tutors) feel completely welcome and safe to be themselves. This has allowed his student to be completely transparent with him, which allows him to be an even more incredible tutor. In addition, Derrick took it upon himself to work with his student’s brother whenever the assigned tutor isn’t able to make session. From the moment he joined this organization, Derrick has shown how dedicated he is and how big his heart is. I feel truly lucky to know him.
Katie Philipson, Coordinator
I’ve always enjoyed teaching and I wanted to give back in some way. My student’s honesty always puts a smile on my face. When we first met she admitted to me that she could do better. I thought that was extremely mature of her and extremely open. I’d say it’s changed me in a lot of ways for the better. It’s more than tutoring. It’s trying to affect someone’s future in a positive way no matter how small it might be. You may think one hour per week is not enough time to make a difference, but you’d be surprised. Plus, I’m getting just as much out of it as the kids are.
Martha Doran
Region 8
Martha is an exemplary tutor who is dedicated to her student, CeCe, and to School on Wheels. If we need anything at all, Martha is the first to volunteer…wrapping Christmas presents, helping out at a holiday party, attending a training, volunteering to be part of the Ambassador program, she is there! She also brings such a positive energy and warmth to everything she does. We are very lucky to have her as part of the School on Wheels team!
Chris Walsh, Coordinator
I wanted to be a part of a young person’s life in his/her discovery of who and what they are — to help them bring forth all they have to offer. Hearing my student read to me always makes me smile; we have read various books together, and her voice, her inflections, how I can picture what she says… all of these things make me smile. If you are thinking of volunteering, I would say it is rewarding, and puzzling, and rewarding, and frustrating, and rewarding, and filled with discoveries… you get the drift! My biggest takeaway is how rewarding it is to volunteer as a tutor. I have seen someone else grow and develop, and I have grown as well, being more patient, more curious, and more open to learning what it’s like to be in middle school in the 21st century. I am impressed with how much School on Wheels offers, how many talented people give their time and love to helping the students in our community. It’s a great organization; come and see for yourself!
John has been a consistent help with all of our students, but has really given attention to our older students. We can always count on him to be present, positive, and a genuinely caring person. John has also gone above and beyond by helping us recruit more tutors for our program.
Jason Wright, SRLC Instructor
The reason I started volunteering at School on Wheels can be traced back to my childhood. At an early age, my mom stressed the importance of using education to assimilate and achieve the American Dream. Success for me is remembering where I came from and helping those in need. I’ve had many awesome experiences at the Skid Row Learning Center, but there’s one that reinforced my purpose of being there early on. After one of my first sessions, an elementary student asked me to play Jenga with him. I was afraid and didn’t know what to say while we were playing, so it was a good thing that he was a chatter box. He told me about the last school that he went to and how he missed his friends, the playground, and the monthly student store. As he continued, I kept thinking that his descriptions of the school sounded like the one I had gone to, and his eyes lit up when I said the school name. He asked if I could read minds. We were both excited about the discovery and were able to establish a hometown bond that day. Volunteering at School on Wheels has been one of the greatest privileges I’ve had. I encourage anyone who is thinking of tutoring to lean in and give it a shot— you’ll be surprised what you learn about yourself in the process. The impact you’ll have on a child’s educational and emotional development will radiate through all parts of your life.
Diane Lopez
Region 1
Diane is currently tutoring three students. She started with one and stepped up to tutor two more when I was desperately short on bilingual tutors. Diane goes above and beyond for each one of her students. She is amazingly devoted to them, and each one has made great progress. She not only finds time for them, but also regularly finds time to give me updates regarding the progress they have made.
Manmeet Sodhi, Coordinator
I found School on Wheels while looking for tutoring jobs. I have a degree in Child Development and wanted to use it in a way that showed that I understood them and cared. I have a student who is a native Spanish speaker and sometimes I forget how to translate certain words for him; many times I’m scrambling, trying to remember the words, and he thinks it’s the most hilarious thing! I can’t help but laugh with him. If you are thinking of volunteering, I’d say do it. Just remember, this isn’t for some shiny medal or people congratulating you on social media; this is for the kids. They need someone who is there to support them, to make them smile, to be consistent in showing they care. No medal could take the place of a child’s smile.
Vicentica Valdes
Region 5
I nominated Vicentica because of her ability to connect with students in group homes & her passion for helping our students on a larger scale. In addition to attending crafting events for student supplies, she is always willing to take on challenging tutoring placements. Her ability to easily connect with our students makes her a natural go-to for building successful rapport!
Jesse Pasquan, Coordinator
I found School on Wheels after trying out a few different volunteering experiences using Volunteer Match. School on Wheels’ mission spoke to me in a way that the others didn’t, and they provided me with a more consistent opportunity to volunteer, one that allowed me to focus on my immediate community. Being able to show these kids that there are caring people in the world who can and will help others means a lot to me. My favorite experience so far during tutoring has to be the time my student had no homework and I had no materials; we ended up using a whiteboard to work through multiplication problems together. Initially, he was shy about working out a problem on the whiteboard but we made it into a competition and wound up laughing and challenging each other with new math problems. The next time he didn’t have homework he specifically asked if we could work through math problems because he had so much fun and it made my heart melt a little. Volunteering as a tutor has been incredibly rewarding for me. When I first signed up, I wanted to stick to administrative and behind the scenes type volunteering; I was a little intimidated by the tutoring aspect! But now, I’ve been tutoring for over a year and I love it. I would tell anyone who is thinking about volunteering to stop thinking and just do it!
Cynthia Zapata
Region 4
Cynthia is an outstanding volunteer and was very recently made a Tutor Coordinator. She goes above and beyond to help the kids at her shelter. She attends group tutoring twice a week and does a great job bonding with all of the kids and other volunteer tutors. Cynthia is a true gem!
Kristina Rakosh, Coordinator
I learned about School on Wheels while seeking out new volunteer opportunities. The second I had read about their purpose and what they truly care for I just knew I wanted to be a part of it. Something I have come to notice is that my students like to help each other, either with homework or just some random activity we’re doing. They help each other and it brings a genuine smile to not only my face but the other tutors as well. These kids are so bright and their love for creativity is something I always look forward to seeing every week. If someone is considering tutoring with School on Wheels I would encourage them to do it whole-heartedly! The kids may be a little tough to get through to at first, but once you get to know them, they’re some of the best kids you’ll ever meet!
Wisdom Ibole
Region 2
I nominated Wisdom because he exudes a passion for education. Recently, I had the opportunity to observe him working with his students. He is patient, understanding, and motivates them to work hard. Although he has only been with School on Wheels for three months, I can see his drive and the commitment he has to his students. He is a great tutor, and the kids are always excited to see him!
Carlie Whittaker, Coordinator
I learned about School On Wheels through my local NPR station, KPCC. I believe I have so much to learn and to give! Recently I was going over multiplication with one of the students and initially he stumbled with some of the problems, but I was astounded and elated at how quickly he came to understand the concepts. He was basically performing expansions! To anyone considering volunteering as a tutor, I would first commend them on wanting to help out, then try to tell them how rewarding my experience has been. The students might not always be responsive, but slowly, with patience, they do warm up to you. You get to help them have those “aha!” moments. You come to see their potential. You slowly learn how best to get them engaged. When you get them going, it is such a beautiful sight! They are children, after all, and just like us they want someone to be there and be proud of them. In this way, you get to be a positive influence in their lives.
Guest post by School on Wheels Ambassador Victor Maldonado
There are enough children without homes in Los Angeles to fill Dodger Stadium. Yet, when we think of homelessness, children aren’t who we typically imagine. With over 65,000 students without homes in Los Angeles County alone, why does child homelessness go so grossly unnoticed? The answer is simple: out of sight, out of mind. These are children who are living in shelters, motels, group foster homes, vehicles, and on the streets. The common thread that connects these children is a lack of consistent education.
I am proud to volunteer with an organization that bridges these gaps in education, giving children experiencing homelessness a fighting chance at a stable life—School on Wheels. Their approach may seem modest: tutor a child for one hour per week. However, the impact on that child’s life is incalculable—it provides these children with the structure and consistency they need. That hour reiterates to them that they aren’t forgotten, that they do matter, and that they can change their circumstances.
And once a child believes in themselves, the hope and optimism they carry is truly inspirational. In January 2018 a student of mine was struck in the crossfire of a drive-by. In the weeks following, I recall trying to be sympathetic to his condition by telling him we could just play games until he felt better. Knowing he had the SATs coming up, he responded, “Games won’t get me into college. We’ll work on math sections.” To contextualize things, this was a student who, not even a year prior, would constantly vocalize that he might as well “pick out a box to live in now” because he felt he had no chance of attending college. It was at that precise moment that I realized how much of an impact that hour a week can have on the self-esteem of a child in need.
School on Wheels is the only non-profit organization in Southern California that focuses on the education of children experiencing homelessness. As such, its’ success, as well as the success of the children it serves, is directly related to its number of volunteers. Sadly, that number is often limited by people’s misconceptions on whether they’re “qualified” to volunteer. In reality, the only obstacle is a person’s willingness to volunteer.
Regardless of your age, background or level of education, your mere presence in a child’s life can be transformative. They will never forget that someone cared enough to show up once a week during the most turbulent time of their lives. Get started today.
