Making a Difference

RISE-DC operates from a pedagogical foundation that asserts the greater a student’s academic need, the more important the experience of the teacher. This simple belief in the importance of talented, seasoned instructors distinguishes RISE-DC from other supplemental educational service providers.

Thus, RISE-DC’s instructors are professional tutors who work at a reduced rate to educate some of Washington’s most struggling students. With an average experience level of twenty years, RISE-DC’s tutors are experts in their fields. Whether it is breaking down the syllables of a word, the parts to a math problem or just finding what makes our unique scholars tick, RISE-DC’s professionals get to the core of their students’ needs.

Staff in our partner schools could not be happier with RISE-DC’s work, and they like to draw the distinction between the quality of service that RISE-DC provides with that of other organizations that only enlist inexperienced volunteer tutors. Most of the students are suffering from major deficits in conceptual understanding and a lack of success. Because of this, for instance, they require a tutor who:

understands the academic terrain from many angles
can present ideas in multiple ways that have been tested through practice and refinement
can quickly and flexibly assess their understanding on a concept and can ensure that the appropriate level of rigor is being met
can build a rapport with students by displaying confidence and skill with the material, gauge their emotional state and respond accordingly

Ricardo Cooper

**Executive Director**
Having grown up in Washington, DC, Ricardo believes that educational equality, access to resources, and quality mentorship will close educational gaps and level the playing field for all youth.

Cherrye Jeter

**Program Manager - “Keep Up” Tutoring**
Cherrye loves working for RiSE; working with RISE students has given Cherrye the opportunity to utilize her skills to support students and teachers in a meaningful way.

Bethlehem Harris, Program Manager - College Prep Plus

Beth loves that RISE is all about helping the under-represented and underperforming kids and not just the high achievers.

She is passionate about RISE’s relentless dedication to lifting up and supporting the most vulnerable kids.

Anthony Leonardo

**Mathematics and Physical Science Tutor**
Anthony loves helping young teenagers build the connections between Algebra expressions to Geometry graphs on a daily basis. Sharing tech tips with students is another great passion of his.

Bruce Copeland, Mathematics Tutor

Bruce sees RISE as the perfect paradigm that essentially provides both students and their teachers with on demand support.

He loves the intersection of relationships, responsiveness, and results. Bruce feels RISE should be a national model.

Amy Sawyer

**Language Arts Tutor**
Amy enjoys not only helping the students but also the teachers. Giving individual attention to her students frees up the classroom teacher to work more effectively with the rest of the class. Amy feels like tutoring can leverage the teacher's ability to reach all the learners in their classroom.

David Thurston, Language Arts and Humanities Tutor

David loves helping RISE students reach for their best and highest potential. They are daily reminders to David that the future looks bright.