May is Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. AAPI Heritage Month is celebrated in May because in May 1843 the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the US, and … Read More
Child Sexual Abuse: Prevention, Facts, Myths, and Teaching Student Body Autonomy
Hello, WITS blog readers. My name is Estefania Rodriguez and I am currently a program coordinator at WITS. I am also a psychologist with a sub-specialization in sexology. In my … Read More
Mentor Reflections: Amisha Ray
In honor of National Volunteer Week, we talked to mentor and Associates Board (AB) member Amisha Ray about her time at WITS. Amisha’s service runs the gamut; from mentoring in-person … Read More
Reading Isn’t Just Fundamental; It’s Grounds For A Solid Education (A Note From Our CEO)
The lead picture on the front page of this Sunday’s New York Times is a group of kindergartners sitting on the floor of their classroom holding up tiny dry-erase boards … Read More
WITS Summer Books Highlights 2023
An essential part of the WITS mission is to help students build at-home libraries and foster a love of reading outside of the classroom. Through the WITS Summer Books initiative, … Read More
The Books That Shape Us
I recently moved. The new place is a bit larger, which means proper book storage is possible. The bookshelf has been built, and it’s mostly empty. I don’t own many … Read More
Mentor Reflections: Fran Borrayo
Working in the Schools works with over twenty-five program partners to provide literacy support and mentorship. Fran Borrayo, a longtime mentor, has worked for two of them. He started his … Read More
A Love Letter to Our Community
Today on Valentine’s Day, we want to express our heartful thanks to our steadfast WITS community. WITS is a movement of educators, volunteers, and investors coming together to support better … Read More
Building Community In the City and The Office
Building Community Working in the Schools (WITS) is the largest volunteer corps providing yearlong mentorship to Chicago Public School elementary students. The cornerstone of WITS student mentorship programs is their … Read More
Study Group: Fostering Students’ Love of Reading
Rochelle Lee Teacher Award Study Groups are school-based professional learning communities. Study groups develop a goal to guide their learning throughout the school year, and meet monthly to discuss instruction … Read More
