Working in the Schools (WITS) creates positive learning communities through a portfolio of volunteer literacy mentor programs and teacher professional development; a comprehensive design to inspire students passion for reading.
WITS sets students on a trajectory for success by building critical literacy skills and developing positive self-identity through teacher let literacy professional development and volunteer powered mentorship programs.
WITS creates opportunities for every student in Chicago to be literate.
Community
WITS is a movement of educators, volunteers and investors coming together to support a better public education for every student.
WITS believes that pipelines of mentors, across all of its communities, set the right tone and culture in our schools for all students to become literate.
WITS communities of teachers and volunteers model for students the life-enhancing benefits of literacy and a passion for learning.
Empowerment
WITS advocates for every CPS student to have access to the literacy resources necessary for academic and professional achievement.
WITS teachers and volunteer mentors empower students to trust in education opportunities and the value it brings to their future.
WITS builds teachers into literacy leaders and broadens the civic mindedness of volunteers.
WITS believes in the power of mentors to build and strengthen communities. Volunteers mentor students. Teachers mentor teachers. Volunteers mentor volunteers. Students mentor students.
Consistency
WITS is 100% privately funded, and program delivery is not reliant on school or city budgets.
WITS students out perform their peers in reading level growth year over year, driving students to grade-level proficiency.
WITS fosters relationships between students and mentors to develop mindsets critical for positive youth development.