Tutor in New York City Schools with America Reads and America Counts

Journey Brown-Saintel has worked with America Reads and America Counts every year she has attended NYU. First, she participated as an undergraduate Drama major. Now, she continues as a master’s candidate in Theatre for Social and Civic Engagement. As a tutor, Journey has been involved with everything from dance recitals to literacy exercises to reading-level assessments. “Currently, I’m in a music class where they’re learning about rhythm,” she says. “Before I switched to being the music teacher, I was in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). I helped students from preschool to fifth grade code robots.”

With tutors coming from many academic backgrounds, there’s no need to be an expert in any particular subject. “You’re meeting with the teacher to understand the lesson plan first. They get that you might not know every little thing,” Journey explains. “We also contribute by just being another person there for students in the day-to-day. Undoubtedly, the more people you put into a system, and the more diverse those people are, the better that system gets.”

Journey’s tutoring experiences have strengthened her passion for public education. It’s part of why she chose a graduate program that explores how to create and facilitate theatre for social good in settings like schools, prisons, and hospitals. “I get to see what teachers and students struggle with at a systemic level. I know what it’s like at a school that has more money and at one that does not. Finally, I can see what helps students—not just what I or their teacher can do to help, but the content that they’re learning or how they’re learning. Even the way they eat lunch or participate in recess can impact how they learn,” she says. “I understand the system better and can advocate for it better.”

Shubhdip Kundlas is another tutor who has found America Reads and America Counts incredibly rewarding. Each year he participates, teachers and students express their appreciation, including through handmade thank-you cards. He’s also gotten to know school principals, counselors, and other staff members. “This job is unlike any other campus job,” he says. “I really enjoy helping the students and teachers and being part of a wonderful community at the school. Watching the students grow and excel as the year goes on is amazing.”

Shubhdip tutors fourth-grade students, focusing primarily on math and English Language Arts. “I often work with small groups of students during lessons, giving them extra support to ensure they understand the content and aren’t left behind,” he shares. “It’s a mixture of classwork, helping the kids stay focused, and making sure they follow directions from the teacher.”

As an NYU Psychology graduate now pursuing a Master of Social Work degree, Shubhdip believes this experience will shape the kind of therapist he becomes. “I’ve grown more patient, adaptable, and confident in my ability to work with adults and children,” he says. “This job has also helped me build strong communication and teamwork skills. I’ve learned how important it is to meet people where they are, understand their unique needs, and provide support in a way that empowers them. Most importantly, it has reminded me of the difference one person can make and made me even more passionate about helping others.”