Kaitlin Johnson of Big Lake is using her teaching talents and knowledge to tutor 15 kids for 20 minutes a day at Becker Primary School.

Johnson just completed a year of service with the program at BPS under the support and guidance of Minnesota Reading Corps, a strategic initiative of ServeMinnesota.

Johnson got interested in tutoring while attending SCSU to obtain her special education degree. She is a 2016 graduate of Big Lake High School and says she loves helping kids who need improvement at such a young age.

“It’s a great way for me to teach while still working on my testing for licensure,” she said. “I like the opportunity to work one-on-one or para-tutoring with these kids. I think its really effective.”

The tutors in the program target students “in the gaps”, said Communications Manager Darcie Moore of Americorps, the branch company of MN Reading Corps.

“These are kids who are reading slightly below their grade levels,” she said. “Our goal of our program and our tutors is to get all the kids reading at their grade level by grade three.”

Johnson says she wasn’t sure what she wanted to go into following high school graduation and at the last minute, decided to attend SCSU and take her generals. She first considered teaching in the field of art, but when she came upon special education, she knew that would be a great fit for her.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with kids,” said Johnson, who taught Sunday school at Becker Baptist Church in Becker.

“Pastor Rob Olsen and his wife, Caroline were influences for me when working with the youth,” Johnson said. “I also remember being influence by my art teachers in high school. I think I developed my passion and fun personality from them.”

After being place at Becker Primary School, Johnson was surprised she was delegated a room, since she heard many tutors end up working in hallways and other areas away from the classroom environment. The program has a set curriculum to follow, so Johnson finds it reassuring that all she has to do is follow along and interact with the kids, while helping them read.

 

At every school there is a coach who works with the tutors and master coaches also take visits to lend their expertise.

 

Moore says Johnson is a perfect fit for the tutoring program and is grateful for her commitment. 

 

“She (Johnson) is making a huge impact on these youngsters and changing their lives,” Moore said of Johnson.

 

Tutors through the Minnesota Reading Corps program receive a bi-weekly stipend and an education award at the end of the year, which can be applied to school costs, loans or tuition.

 

Moore says tutors are in great need, especially in the Becker and Clear Lake communities.

 

“All you have to be is  18-years or older, have a high school diploma or GED and be a legal citizen of the United States,” said Moore.”It’s a great program for retirees and younger students — like Kaitlin — who are looking for great training and experience.”

 

Johnson’s busy schedule is getting busier as she prepares to compete this fall in the 2018 Miss Minnesota USA pageant.

 

“I always thought it would be fun to pursue modeling,” Johnson said. “But I never did. Then I got a letter in the mail about this contest and I went ahead and applied. I got a call a short time later and they said I was accepted.”

 

Johnson will be required to participate in an interview, wear a swimsuit  and be judged in an evening gown.

 

“It’s all very exciting and a little nerve-wracking,” she said. “I’m just gonna go for it.”

 

Johnson says she has raised nearly $1,000 to help pay for their competition. The winner typically receives a financial scholarship to a designated university or college. One former Miss Minnesota USA contestant,  Barbara Peterson, went on to become Miss USA in 1976.

 

Johnson says she is wide open in regards to her future but is really excited and grateful being able to work with kids and help make them better.

 

“The tutoring has been a great transition for me while looking and getting ready for a teaching job,” she said. “It’s helped me develop better communication skills and I saw the progress these kids were making right away. It’s been a great experience.”

 

To learn more about Minnesota Reading Corps and the opportunities to tutor, visit their website at: www.minnesotareadingcorps.org.