WITS’ Workplace Mentoring program would not be possible without the help of our school coordinators. School coordinators play a critical role in ensuring that our workplace mentoring programs run smoothly. The role of a school coordinator is to get the attendance for the students, ride the bus each week to and from program, and act as the face of WITS to parents and the school.
Check out a few interviews of school coordinators below.
Ms. Flores – Talcott’s School Coordinator
What is your role at Talcott?
I am the special education teacher assistant.
How did you get involved with WITS
I was curious about the program since last year when I saw last year’s school coordinator working with WITS. This year, Ms. Garcia (Talcott’s after-school coordinator) told me about the program and asked me if I wanted to be the coordinator, and I said yes!
How long have you been the WITS school coordinator
This is my first year.
What is your favorite part of the program?
Seeing the kids making a connection with their mentors and having fun.
Have you noticed an impact on the students?
I wish I had this program when I was in school! The students are able to learn while having fun when they come to WITS, which definitely makes a difference!
Mrs. Elizabeth Del Valle “Mrs. Lisa”- Holden’s School Coordinator
What is your role at Holden?
I am an instructional assistant for kindergarten to 8th grade.
How did you get involved with the program?
When the school asked who wanted to be a part of the program, I volunteered.
How long have you been the WITS school coordinator
4 years.
What is your favorite part of the program?
My favorite part is when the students on the bus or at school talk about the activities they did and what they learned with their mentors.
Have you noticed an impact on the students?
Yes, absolutely. The students who attend WITS have higher self-esteem and confidence when interacting with the school and their peers.
Louis Quinones – Otis’ School Coordinator
What is your role at the school?
I’ve been a security officer for 38 years, and I have been CPS for 23 of those years
How did you get involved with WITS?
I was the coordinator for Peabody school and I continued to work with the program when I came to Otis. I have been with Otis for six years.
How long have you been the WITS school coordinator?
In total, about 15 years.
What is your favorite part of the program?
My favorite part is bringing the students. The mentors and program coordinators have also been fantastic. I love that the students are engaged in the activities.
Have you noticed an impact with the students?
Absolutely, they all want to come back. They are also more open-minded.
WITS ADDS OVER
to the homes of students and classrooms of Rochelle Lee Teacher Awardees each year.
Wits provides
of literacy mentorship each year in Chicago Public Schools.
