Reading Press Releases

SUPERINTENDENT LINDA MCCULLOCH CALLS FOR VOLUNTEER READING TUTORS FOR MONTANA SCHOOLS

Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Linda McCulloch is calling for volunteers to join “Montana America Reads” to serve as volunteer reading tutors in host schools throughout the state.    

“I am calling on Montanans to help make a real difference in a child’s life,” says Linda McCulloch. “We need volunteers across the state to spend a few hours a week tutoring children who need help in learning to read. Helping a child learn to read not only opens the world of learning for the child, but is richly rewarding for the volunteer tutor.”    

 “America Reads” began in 1997. The program seeks to ensure that every child can read well and independently by the end of the third grade. The “America Reads” accomplishes this by marshaling the resources of entire communities. Schools work together with teachers, parents, libraries, religious institutions, universities, college students to teach our children to read.

In Montana, America Reads is directed by the Office of Public Instruction. Americorps *VISTA members are placed at host schools, where their task is to develop America Reads programs that will sustain themselves after their year of service is over. They are responsible for building community and business partnerships, recruiting and scheduling volunteers, and fundraising and coordinating with other community volunteer groups.   

Volunteers for the America Reads program come from many different walks of life. Some are Federal Work-Study students. Others are members of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and Foster Grandparents. Many volunteers are members of the community who work at local businesses. What they all have in common is their commitment to help a child improve his or her reading. The school provides the training and materials necessary for a tutoring session. Volunteers need only provide time and enthusiasm.    

This year America Reads members are serving at schools in Belgrade, Billings, Clinton, Drummond, Great Falls, Harlowton, Helena, Kalispell, Polson, Somers, Superior, Valier, Victor, and Wolf Point. If you are interested in volunteering or want further information about the program contact June Atkins at (406)-444-3664, Mary Asbach, Americorps *VISTA member at (406)-444-0256, or Joan Franke, project assistant at (406)-444-9864.