The Centrality of Relationships: Tutors, Mentors, Coaches and Parents

I never do anything bad enough or good enough to get an adult’s attention.

– Keontai, 11

Many years ago, the above words were said to David Shapiro of MENTOR, one of the panelists in this September 21, 2021 GLR Learning Tuesdays webinar. Keontai’s statement encapsulates the fundamental need for the positive adult-child relationships enabled by mentoring, coaching, and tutoring programs. Shapiro was joined by Janet Carter of Coaching Corps, Gina Martinez-Keddy of Parent Teacher Home Visits and Adeola Whitney of Reading Partners in a conversation exploring the transformative power and potential of relationships. 

In a conversation moderated by John Gomperts, Executive Fellow with CGLR, these leaders shared their insights, advice, and impactful stories illustrating their shared goal of making strong, supportive and lasting relationships with young people an end and not just a means. They described how the caring adults involved in their respective programs help to ensure that every child gets the attention they want and need ― without needing to do anything good or bad, as Keontai expressed so starkly. Panelists also highlighted how tutors, mentors and coaches prioritize parent perspectives and engagement to both strengthen the parent-teacher dyad and create an expanded triad of support to accelerate learning and development.

The incredible stories shared and ideas exchanged by this panel conversation created a vibrant atmosphere of co-learning as each speaker built off the others’ remarks and responded to questions and comments from participants. If you missed this engaging and dynamic special rebroadcast, we encourage you to watch the recording to see what you missed.