University Honors Program

By Kaitlin Lewis

There is much to be learned outside of the University of Dayton classroom, and two education students are taking advantage of it during their time at UD.

Sophomore Delilah Fox, a middle childhood education major, is a member of the Teaching English Language Learners (TELL) Tutoring Club at UD. TELL works with local after-school programs and focuses on tutoring the refugee population in the Dayton area, reaching a wide range of grade levels and subjects. In addition to her education major, Fox is pursuing a certificate in the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program, making TELL the perfect opportunity to test her degree in the real world.

“I want to work with English language learners and maybe even teach abroad one day,” said Fox, “TELL gives me experience in this area and helps me develop skills to teach students from all walks of life.”

Students in TELL often work with teachers and leaders in the afterschool programs to learn what each student needs most. A typical day of tutoring for Fox consists of one to two hours working with a student on finishing homework, practicing skills and providing supplemental instruction in the areas the student struggles with the most.

“My favorite part of TELL is building relationships with the students,” said Fox. “They can be so joyful and excited to learn and they inspire me to be a constant learner. It really affirms my desire to be an educator.”

 Another student working and learning outside of UD is senior Brooke Flannelly, president of the Dayton Association for Young Children (UDAYC). Flannelly is currently studying early childhood education with an intervention specialist endorsement. UDAYC provides services like tutoring, pen pals and hosting events at local elementary schools. In December, the organization’s big project is hosting “Christmas at Kiser” at Kiser Elementary, which brings UD’s annual “Christmas on Campus” to elementary students who are not yet old enough to attend.

“Students in the club make decorations, purchase Christmas presents and are matched to Kiser students so every child has a buddy,” said Flannelly. “This event brings holiday spirit to children at Kiser Elementary and is a fun way for UD students to be active in the surrounding Dayton community.”

Both Fox and Flannelly find so much value in serving for both themselves and the students with which they work. Organizations like TELL and UDAYC provide U.D. students with a chance not only to gain experience in their field of study but leave a real impact on the Dayton area.

“My favorite part is building relationships with the students and seeing their faces every week when we show up,” said Flannelly. “They value our time together and really look up to the Dayton students. We really work to become role models for these children.”