Tutors Support Students through the Homework Help Program at the Nokomis Library

On any given Monday afternoon during the school year, you’ll find a group of highly committed and energetic volunteers waiting and ready to help students through the Homework Help program offered at the Nokomis Library. The volunteer tutors support students across a number of subjects, projects, and course problems, however, they are supporting students with so much more.

Four of the library tutors we sat down with recently were a mix of retirees and individuals who work full time, all sharing a similar inspiration for tutoring - to give back and connect to the community. Kelly Meyer, a former middle school teacher, got involved in the tutoring program as a way to “be a part of the community” after moving here 10 years ago. Ted Vriezen, a retired engineer, and Maura Fitzgerald, retired from a career in health services, were looking for an opportunity to give back during their retirement, and Lindsey Miller, who works at Thrivent, began volunteering several years ago. 

Beyond Tutoring

Students come to Homework Help for a variety of support, most of which is related directly to ongoing, real-time school work. However, in addition to homework help, students also come for support with a myriad of other projects, such as college applications, college and scholarship essays, and other work related to student improvement and their future. “Many of the students who come to the library for help are dedicated to improving themselves and their grades, as well as committed to learning.”, shared Steve Ferris, who leads the team of tutors.  

Acknowledging how subjects are taught and learning has changed since they were in school, the tutors expressed their passion for helping students, even when the problems and subjects are unfamiliar or new to them. Ted explains that “Helping with math problems and learning new terminology.”, is a highlight of tutoring for him. Maura takes it upon herself to read Young Adult books to be able to connect better with students, and recently worked with a student in a PSEO poetry class at Metro State. “I don’t think he knew what he was getting into”, Maura joked, as after multiple tutoring sessions on a variety of projects, Maura saw the student’s appreciation and understanding of poetry positively shift. Lindsey is inspired by the conversations she has with students and experiencing real time history through their eyes. When a student had a realization that there is a broader history of police brutality as she helped them with a project about George Floyd’s murder, Lindsey was able to support them while they processed and deepened their understanding.

The tutors unanimously shared that when it comes to challenging work or being stumped by a problem, their role is to help the student through it by asking questions and learning together. They each actively model problem solving and teach students how to be resourceful when it comes to challenging work. They all agreed that it’s important for them to model resiliency and demonstrate that adults don’t have all of the answers.

What Students Say

Three students who take advantage of the program shared their experience with Homework Help, explaining they come to the library for help because it’s hard to get individual help at school. Students enjoy the personalized attention they receive from the tutors, and the library provides a space with limited distraction so they can stay focused on their work. Each of them are strong advocates for the Homework Help program, sharing that everyone needs help sometimes, and there is no shame or embarrassment in accessing the tutors.

The Nokomis Library Homework Help is offered on Mondays, 3:30pm-7:30pm, no appointment is needed. Homework Help tutoring is also available at several of the Hennepin County Libraries. Visit www.hclib.org/en/programs/homework-help to learn more.