"I've watched students of FLIP volunteers close learning gaps as well as gain self-esteem and improve school behavior.  These miracles happen because FLIP tutors are dedicated and dependable school partners."

-Dottie Critchlow, Principal
Hickman Elementary

FLIP tutors come from all walks of life and professional backgrounds, but what ties these wonderful older adult volunteers together is the eagerness to respond to the needs of the children and schools in the community.

The majority of FLIP tutors have never taught in a formal classroom, but they are passionate about helping children. 

Friends Learning in Pairs (FLIP) is an intergenerational volunteer tutoring program of RSVP which is a project of the Corporation for National and Community Service  and sponsored by FiftyForward, (formerly Senior Citizens, Inc.) since 1983.  FLIP has provided support in public schools since 1993.

Friends Learning In Pairs (FLIP) 
Sandra Thomas, FLIP Manager
615-743-3422 sthomas@fiftyforward.org

 ~~ Facts At A Glance ~~

 Ø      Senior volunteers (55+) tutor children in grades K-4 who have been identified by their teachers as one or more grade levels behind in their reading and comprehension skills.

 Ø      In Davidson and Williamson Counties, 185 volunteers tutor over 800 children, one-on-one during the school day in 30 minute sessions. Volunteers contributed 7594 hours of service during the 2007-2008 school year.

 Ø      47 elementary public schools partner with FLIP.

 Ø      FLIP tutors receive quarterly in-service training from reading specialists.

 Ø      75%-85% of the children increase their reading skills by one grade level or more, bringing them up to the level of their peers.  They also show marked improvement in their comprehension skills and self-esteem levels as reported by their classroom teachers.

 Ø      Volunteers tutor/mentor the same children during the school year, resulting in the children and seniors forming close friendships that are beneficial to both age groups.

 Ø      The senior volunteers experience the satisfaction of making a life-long difference in the lives of the little children they tutor