Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Sellers.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sheila. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
During my senior year at the illustrious Clark Atlanta University, I sought employment through the federal work-study program. I took an off-campus assignment as a tutor at a neighboring, low-performing elementary school. During the school year that I tutored at the school, it was revealed to me the lack of resources that were available to these children and the impact that it consequently had on the students’ academic progression. My personal mantra has mimicked that of my Alma Mater since my freshman year which is “I’ll find a way or make one.” In 2017, I did just that! I founded Tutor Atlanta Incorporated, a 501 (c) (3) organization that provides free quality tutoring and academic support and development services for students to foster the skills and mindset necessary to enhance their learning and achieve their academic goals. Our vision is to deliver quality tutoring services that will build the foundation of students’ success by helping them to become independent, confident learners. Tutor Atlanta employs college students as tutors. This decision was strategic in efforts to create a college-bound culture for the tutees. The idea to be an effective resource has indeed manifested and will continue to expand as we partner with local non-profits and organizations.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth road, haha, of course, not! Honestly, I wouldn’t change that part at all. I decided to register my non-profit myself instead of hiring an outside party because I wanted to completely understand the process. Lots of time we can overthink things or think that the task is just too complicated and we delay the start. I’ve done that several times. However, establishing this non-profit meant a lot to me and I was determined to take it one step at a time until I received the Certificate of Incorporation from the State of Georgia. I ordered a very detailed planner and I made sure that I set out to accomplish one thing a day toward the goal, no matter how small. I often treated myself when I would achieve a milestone in the process.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Tutor Atlanta – what should we know?
Tutor Atlanta is a 501 (c) (3) organization that provides free quality tutoring and academic support and development services for students to foster the skills and mindset necessary to enhance their learning and achieve their academic goals. Our vision is to deliver quality tutoring services that will build the foundation of students’ success by helping them to become independent, confident learners. Tutor Atlanta employs college students as tutors. This decision was strategic in efforts to create a college-bound culture for the tutees. We specialize in math and reading tutoring for students in grades K-12. I am most proud of our success in being able to create confident students. Summer 2018 we partnered with Toastmasters International’s Youth Leadership Program to allow the students to be able to effectively give impromptu talks, evaluate their own speaking ability, control their voice, vocabulary, and gestures, and prepare and give speeches. We take interest in the total support and development of our tutees.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Hands down, perseverance has been key to my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tutoratlanta.org
- Email: info@tutoratlanta.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tutoratlanta/
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