PORT TOWNSEND — Skillmation is seeking volunteer tutors for its three tutoring programs through Port Townsend High School.
The three programs include freshmen mentoring and subject coaching for specific academic subjects through in-person and online Zoom tutoring.
“Skillmation has been working closely with Port Townsend High School to bring community knowledge and expertise to assist our local students during this challenging time of pandemic isolation, school closures and remote learning,” said co-founder Ben Bauermeister in a press release.
“There are three opportunities for community members to help lighten the load of our teachers, administrators and parents and have a very rewarding experience in the process.”
This will be the fourth year of the Freshmen Mentoring program, which has community mentors meeting with high school freshmen once a month overseen by teacher Jen Kruse, Bauermeister said.
The freshmen mentors meet with usually three students, and discussions vary between social connections, emotional well-being and future aspirations, he added.
As a way to further assist teachers and parents due to the changes in schooling due to COVID-19, this will be the first year that Skillmation is offering specific subject coaching programs through in-person and Zoom tutoring.
The community subject coaches will focus on specific academic subjects such as geometry, algebra, pre-calculus, biology, chemistry and Spanish, and the organization is trying to build its base of Advanced Placement (AP) tutors to assist higher-level students.
The in-school coaches will work along with teachers each Wednesday helping students who need assistance in certain subjects, as well as working with the students to plan goals, track progress and assisting with students “academic soft spots,” Bauermeister said.
The Zoom coaches will support students who are enrolled in remote schooling and will be independent from school programs.
The coaches will connect with students at regularly scheduled times through Zoom or by phone.
“Remote learning during this pandemic places a large burden on teachers and parents,” Bauermeister said. “Skillmation’s Subject Coaches can bring additional structure, interaction and experienced resources to help our local students achieve their best results during this time.”
Skillmation provides training and assistance to the mentors and coaches.
Those interested in more information or volunteering can contact Skillmation at info@skillmation.org.
While there is no deadline, Bauermeister requested interested people respond by Sept. 4.
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Jefferson County reporter Zach Jablonski can be reached by email at zjablonski@peninsuladailynews.com or by phone at 360-385-2335, ext. 5.
