Helping Children Find the Joy in Reading
Terry Chapel had been in the medical field for several years when she found herself longing for a new career. Looking to change things up, she decided to make the move from Oklahoma to Minnesota. That’s when she learned about Minnesota Reading Corps.
A Lifelong Lover of Reading
As a lifelong lover of reading, tutoring seemed like the perfect opportunity. Terry also recognized the great need for tutors. “I was surprised by the statistics,” she shares. “I was sad that many students didn't have the tools to succeed. I wanted to give them the opportunity to read and find joy in it like I do.”
Enrolling in YWCA Workforce Development Program
While serving with Reading Corps at YWCA Downtown Children’s Center, Terry built relationships with the children, families and staff. During her second year of service, the director encouraged her to enroll in the Child Development Associate (CDA) course. After receiving her CDA certificate, Terry was brought on full-time as an assistant toddler teacher.In her assistant teacher role, Terry still leans on the skills she gained as a tutor. The children she teaches are younger, but she still finds many ways to incorporate what she learned from Reading Corps into their daily lessons. You can often find her students singing along to the Reading Corps alphabet song.
Changing the Direction of Her Life
“Reading Corps totally changed the direction of my life," says Terry. "Without it, I never would have realized the joy I have found in working with kids.”YWCA Workforce Development Program is a high-quality program that helps people earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, which provides the training needed to become a qualified early childhood education teacher. Participants gain the professional skills needed to teach in an early childhood education classroom and receive help with job placement. Apply today!