FAQs
"What will my time commitment be?"
If you choose to volunteer with Morning Mentors, we ask that you consistently attend once per week from 7:15am-8:00am for the quarter you sign up. We understand that things come up and ask that you notify us if you cannot make a session. During your session, you will be responsible for asking students if they need help on any class work and doing your best to coach them through their work. Other mentors and at least one teacher will be there to assist with challenges you may face.
"Where do I go?"
On your volunteer day, arrive at Nichols Middle School (800 Greenleaf St. Evanston, IL 60202) by 7:15am. Enter through the back parking lot (the front door will be locked at this time) and walk through the cafeteria, across the hall, through the double doors and into the library on your right. One of the founders will be there for each new mentor's first day.
"What if I don't know the answer to a question a student asks me?"
Don't worry! Usually, you can figure out how to coach the student through a problem by briefly looking at their book. If you are out of your league with a question, ask another mentor or the teacher in charge. You can also have students work together, as this is usually very effective. Worst case scenario, you won't have all the answers and the students can see that even you, a successful graduate student, don't know everything! Typically, different subjects are being studied at any given time so whatever your expertise may be will come in handy.
"I've heard about 'common core'. Do I need to follow that?"
While teachers are encouraged to teach a certain way, we can use whatever methods work best when we mentor! Sometimes, the classroom method isn't working for a student and that is why they are at Morning Mentors. So, use whatever works for you and the student. Also, a teacher will be available if you have questions about the way a topic was taught in the classroom.
"Are there private tutoring opportunities?"
Occasionally, our teacher contacts will have families seeking private tutors for certain subjects. If you are interested in these paid opportunities, we will add you to an email list. These opportunities are first-come first-serve.
"Okay, I'm in! How do I start?"
Before anyone is allowed to work with students in the district, they must have a background check. Contact the fingerprinting office to schedule a background check to work with District 65 schools.
After you have gone to the fingerprinting office, sign up on the Google Sheet for a day that works for you and provide your contact information.
If you choose to volunteer with Morning Mentors, we ask that you consistently attend once per week from 7:15am-8:00am for the quarter you sign up. We understand that things come up and ask that you notify us if you cannot make a session. During your session, you will be responsible for asking students if they need help on any class work and doing your best to coach them through their work. Other mentors and at least one teacher will be there to assist with challenges you may face.
"Where do I go?"
On your volunteer day, arrive at Nichols Middle School (800 Greenleaf St. Evanston, IL 60202) by 7:15am. Enter through the back parking lot (the front door will be locked at this time) and walk through the cafeteria, across the hall, through the double doors and into the library on your right. One of the founders will be there for each new mentor's first day.
"What if I don't know the answer to a question a student asks me?"
Don't worry! Usually, you can figure out how to coach the student through a problem by briefly looking at their book. If you are out of your league with a question, ask another mentor or the teacher in charge. You can also have students work together, as this is usually very effective. Worst case scenario, you won't have all the answers and the students can see that even you, a successful graduate student, don't know everything! Typically, different subjects are being studied at any given time so whatever your expertise may be will come in handy.
"I've heard about 'common core'. Do I need to follow that?"
While teachers are encouraged to teach a certain way, we can use whatever methods work best when we mentor! Sometimes, the classroom method isn't working for a student and that is why they are at Morning Mentors. So, use whatever works for you and the student. Also, a teacher will be available if you have questions about the way a topic was taught in the classroom.
"Are there private tutoring opportunities?"
Occasionally, our teacher contacts will have families seeking private tutors for certain subjects. If you are interested in these paid opportunities, we will add you to an email list. These opportunities are first-come first-serve.
"Okay, I'm in! How do I start?"
Before anyone is allowed to work with students in the district, they must have a background check. Contact the fingerprinting office to schedule a background check to work with District 65 schools.
After you have gone to the fingerprinting office, sign up on the Google Sheet for a day that works for you and provide your contact information.