100% Of Her Attention

Jalia Beson with the students she helped and Partner Teacher Ben Wright.

Jalia Beson’s experience as a Tutor-Mentor confirmed her desire to become a teacher.

She helped second graders in Ben Wright’s classroom at Salish Ponds Elementary School in the Reynolds School District, near Portland, Oregon.

“The students love her because she gives 100 % of her attention and energy to them. We all love it when she shows up and every student wants to read with her,”  Wright said.

 “I always wanted to be a teacher but my experience in Root 2 Rise showed me that I’d like to be an administrator of some kind to have a positive influence on teachers and students. I want to be able to come in and take over a class because teachers need a break sometimes,” she said.

Second graders warmed to Jaila’s bubbly, no -nonsense personality, and she, in turn, felt connected  to both the second graders and Wright.

“Students are all making progress on their reading because of the time and effort Jaila is putting in with them. She is always positive and encouraging, even with those hard to reach kids,” Wright said.

Jaila, a  junior, will continue to help in  Wright’s class this  fall and will train Tutor-Mentors at her high school, the Reynolds Learning Academy.