Volunteer Tutor Profile: Richard Sheehy’s Impact with Path2Math
By Eric Steckel | January 22, 2024
Fostering Confidence and Hope in Learning
Tutoring instills confidence, hope, and a love for learning in the young minds you tutor.
Volunteer tutors like Richard Sheehy are the beating heart of Children Rising’s one-on-one tutoring programs. Through his dedicated efforts, and hours of hard work on the part of the children he has tutored, Richard has witnessed their remarkable academic growth. Perhaps more importantly, he has instilled confidence and hope in young learners.
Richard’s journey with Path2Math began through a connection with his wife, Janet, who was already a tutor with Succeeding by Reading. As a recent retiree in 2018, he sought a meaningful way to contribute. Through tutoring, he dedicates a day each week to focus on something “…that wasn’t just about me having fun.”
“I’m just thrilled to see Montana be happy and be successful and leave here saying, ‘I did really well today.’ I enjoy that.”
Drawn to the program’s focus on math, Richard soon found himself making a significant impact on students like Montana, who he’s been tutoring since the beginning of the school year. Montana’s growth exemplifies the program’s commitment to fostering a genuine love for learning. “She wants to succeed so much. She likes being successful,” Richard shares.
Will you complete HER Circle of Care?
Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.
Will you complete HER Circle of Care?
Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.
Richard pointed out Montana’s innovative approach to problem-solving, emphasizing strategies over rote memorization. “She looks for strategies to solve problems, not memorizing processes and answers. So that’s always encouraging when the child just gets it.”
This reflects the Path2Math philosophy of nurturing critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
One of the most rewarding aspects for Richard is witnessing moments of success in his students. “I’m just thrilled to see Montana be happy and be successful and leave here saying, ‘I did really well today.’ I enjoy that.”
“I see it as a partnership (with the teachers), that we help the students connect in the classroom so that they can thrive.”
Richard’s dedication extends beyond individual victories, as he views his role as a support for the teachers to help students like Montana thrive both in and out of the classroom. “Particularly with the younger children, if you get them to the point where they can understand, then that excitement, that energy increases in class and they thrive.”
Your generosity supports tutors like Richard Sheehy, who are the beating heart of Children Rising’s one-on-one tutoring programs.
Richard also commends Children Rising for its efficient and well-organized approach to volunteer engagement. “They think very carefully about, ‘How do we best use our tutors? How do we make that experience worthwhile?’ Both for the student and for the tutor,” he observed.
Richard Sheehy’s commitment to Path2Math embodies the spirit of Children Rising’s mission. Through his inspiring journey, Richard not only imparts academic knowledge but also instills confidence, hope, and a love for learning in the young minds he mentors.
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