Aspire - Ready to Learn

Aspire News: November 2021

Mark Pritchett Headshot VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Our volunteer for this month is lifelong Dallas resident Mark Pritchett. Mark was born and raised in Dallas and lives in the Oak Cliff neighborhood where he grew up. Mark was a dedicated high school teacher for 30 years and began volunteering at Aspire in 2019. Our volunteers come to us with varied backgrounds and careers and Mark is a great example of the special people who serve our students.

PERSONAL LIFE

Growing up, what did you do for fun, hobbies? Do you have any hobbies now?

A lot of reading, gardening, and working with glass art, glass fusion.

Did you go to university or college? Field of study?

I have both a bachelor’s and Master’s degree concentrated in teaching with content areas in science and social studies.

What was your first job?

Inventory specialist with a company specializing in oil field pipe fittings.

Other jobs, current or past?

I retired from teaching after 30 years of credit service at the high school level.

VOLUNTEERING

What has the experience at Aspire been like for you?

It has been exciting and fun. It is wonderful working with students who are striving to learn, progress, and gain skills that will enrich their lives.

Have you done any other volunteer work aside from Aspire?

I work with the group Friends of Oak Cliff Parks that cares for the formal garden areas in several parks in Oak Cliff.

What sparked your interest in volunteering at Aspire?

Being retired I had time to and wanted to contribute back to the community. Aspire seemed a nice fit with my background in teaching.

What do you hope to accomplish by volunteering at Aspire?

Assisting students in achieving their personal goals. Contributing in some small way to each student realizing facets of achievement and success.

How has online teaching changed your experience with the students, if any?

Surprisingly, being online seems just about as personal as being in class with the students. I was afraid that online would create a social distance and perhaps interfere with the overall learning experience. However, the students are wonderful, and all is going well.

What makes you the proudest of your students?

The effort they put into the program while managing all the other aspects of their lives, such as work, family, school for their kids and shopping, cleaning. The list could go on and yet they log in for class.

We are grateful to Mark and the many volunteer teachers who live in and outside North Texas. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Aspire, please contact Cassy Lujan, Volunteer Director, at CassyLujan@AspireToLearn.org.

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