I am working with the two students each week on academic problems they are having in their classroom. The teachers have identified these students as needing one-on-one help including for social situations. We do games and crafts together. Sometimes I read a favorite book to them and we discuss it.

I feel mentoring has given me much joy. I enjoy seeing the smile on the face of the children. Seeing the students looking forward to my visits. Asking when I will be back. Even having other students asking to come work with me.

I have done this for the last two years. Previously, I taught fulltime for twenty seven years in special education - along with teaching at day care center summer recreation classes and substitute teaching. Years ago I was awarded Service Learning Teacher of Michigan by the governor for numerous service learning projects I did with my students.

I feel if even more retired teachers and para professionals gave their time to this mentoring project, it can impact many lives. Isn’t that what we should be doing - impacting our future generations and giving back to our communities? Isn’t that what Americans stand for?