ETSU education students offer ‘Homework Hotline’ for local schools

Published 1:46 pm Wednesday, April 22, 2020

JOHNSON CITY— Future teachers in the Clemmer College at East Tennessee State University are staffing a “Homework Hotline” for school districts across the Northeast Tennessee region, from Sevierville to Mountain City.

Nearly 50 current undergraduates enrolled in one of ETSU’s teacher preparation programs have volunteered to be available to assist local K-12 students who are now learning from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ETSU’s Dr. Karin Keith says her students are available to assist in all grade levels and subject areas, such as math, science and language areas, as well as in early childhood and special education. The ETSU students are available to meet with those needing assistance via Zoom, Skype, or by email or phone.

Assistance is provided at no charge to the student or family.

“We recognized the many challenges that have emerged during this crisis, particularly as students had to transition to an online learning environment in a matter of days,” said Keith, who chairs the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the Clemmer College. “Our students are preparing for careers in education and they want to help facilitate a successful learning experience for everyone.”

Keith said parents who are wanting to seek help from the “Homework Hotline” should contact the principal’s office where their child currently attends school.  All ETSU students participating in the program have completed a background check.