Connecting the power that already exists in our schools

High school students find their path while delivering vital support to elementary classrooms — creating learning capacity and breaking cycles in under-resourced schools.

Transforming futures since 2017

Root 2 Rise began in 2017 at Madison West High School, sparked by Founder Denise Hanson’s decades of front-line teaching experience and a difficult truth: some students were getting lost in the shuffle. As a Positive Behavior Coach, Denise saw that giving these young people meaningful roles and opportunities to grow — not just more restrictions or rules — could change everything. Root 2 Rise taps into the strength already inside these students, connecting them to younger kids in under-resourced schools and giving them the chance to be the role model they may have wished they had themselves, breaking cycles and rewriting stories — one classroom, one student at a time.

A cartoon woman sitting on the ground holding a book, with her index finger pointing upward towards sparkling stars above her.

Root 2 Rise aims to drive impact at three levels across school communities

For Tutor-Mentors
● Higher graduation rates
● Increased interest in education careers
● Better attendance and engagement
● Stronger sense of belonging
● Clearer pathways to post-secondary opportunities
● Improved academic performance

For K–5 Students
● Increased attendance
● Greater classroom engagement and behavioral growth
● Improved academic performance

For Teachers
● Increased instructional capacity
● Improved classroom climate
● Deeper collaboration across school leadership

A group of children and an adult reading a book in a classroom. The scene includes colorful bookshelves, backpacks, and a bright green table with a plush toy and a 'Play In' sign.

Since its founding, Root 2 Rise has trained over 400 high school Tutor-Mentors across 14 public schools, expanding learning capacity for more than 8,000 elementary students.

See the stories & Impact

What Educators Say About Root 2 Rise

Gina Aiello, Teacher

“I was nervous at first about working with a Tutor-Mentor, but it was a happy surprise to see how quickly Ethan connected with students reluctant to reach out to anyone else. Ethan became the cornerstone of the classroom. He made kids belong and created a safe, safe place for them. He changed their lives . . . they will remember Mr. Ethan forever, just like I will. Would I welcome another Tutor-Mentor? Yes, yes, yes!”
Rich Peters, Principal

“Root 2 Rise has been an amazing experience. Teachers are now begging to participate. If it were up to me, I would have several Tutor-Mentors in every classroom — they are extra hands, extra voices, extra leaders. Parents thank me for allowing this to happen. I’m an eternal optimist; if I believe in someone, I know they will rise up to meet expectations. Root 2 Rise proves this. It’s life-changing and a great opportunity for everyone involved.”
Jahnobi Bora, Teacher

“The Tutor-Mentors surpassed my expectations. Their confidence grew as they learned how much they are capable of. It’s like having another adult in the classroom, someone who keeps everyone involved. All have been willing to be part of our students’ lives.”
Cynthia Bell Jimenez, Principal

“Root 2 Rise is really a partnership with the community. Teachers are in love with Root 2 Rise. Everyone wants a Tutor-Mentor in their classroom. It’s transformational when high schoolers are treated as adults. They are now really part of our staff, and act like adults — always on time, always happy, always engaged. We are truly happy with them. Tutor-Mentors are another layer of leaders and an integral part of who we are. It’s a powerful experience for both them and younger students.”

A young woman reading a picture book to three children sitting on a carpeted floor in a classroom or library setting.

A graphic showing that more than 30% of Root 2 Rise participants report interest in pursuing a career in education, with a large upward arrow and the percentage 30%.

Increasing interest & diversity in the teacher pipeline

Research shows that academic achievement improves when students see themselves reflected in the adults guiding them. Yet schools nationwide face both a growing teacher shortage and a lack of diversity in the educator workforce. More than 30% of Root 2 Rise participants report interest in pursuing a career in education — a promising contribution to a stronger, more representative teacher pipeline. Research indicates that students often experience higher engagement, motivation, and achievement when taught by teachers who share their racial or cultural background.*

Beyond test scores, this representation also improves attendance, contributes to a greater sense of belonging, and significantly lower rates of discipline.

*See Dee (2001), Brookings Institution (2017), Egalite & Kisida (2017), and other studies documenting the benefits of teacher diversity on student outcomes.