Our plan
I moved to San Francisco at the height of the dotcom boom, and working as a web developer for a high end design firm, I was piling my hours into what seemed a huge swelling put of worthlessness. Meanwhile, it didn't seem like that mass of money was doing much for the city, so I decided to get behind something I loved and thought worthwhile. The schools seemed liked the perfect place for me, particularly since everyone tends to complain about them, and if I could help kids like the teachers I had had helped me, then perhaps I could do something of worth.
What we did
I found a volunteer organization who could connect me with a teacher -- San Francisco School Volunteers. I asked my bosses very nicely if I could come in late one day a week (and since then have told upcoming bosses that this is one non-negotiable part of my life). I ended up in a third grade class of Moscone Elementary School and seven years later I am still there. I help with small groups doing reading and comprehension work, I help individual students with writing and editing essays and stories, and correcting homework. I often get to read aloud to the class, and help with art work drawing and painting. I free up the teacher to focus on the students who need her help the most, and I provide good IT support for her classroom.
Our results
For the teacher, she says I have provided another model for a love of learning. I am another tool in her toolbox trying to prepare her kids for testing and beyond. As for the kids, they are always surprised that I am not being paid, they greet me with great enthusiasm when I walk in Friday mornings, and seem to be sorry when I have to leave. Younger siblings of past siblings already know about me, and older kids sometimes pop in for a visit. I don't know if they will remember me, but maybe they'll love to read aloud, put on silly voices, or tell a good story, or draw a silly character.
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