"You need to have an experienced teacher providing advice and support," he says.
Strucker stresses that successful classroom teaching in a classroom requires a tremendous amount of practice as an "apprentice," as well as an understanding of child development.
But despite training efforts, student volunteers might not be ready for the challenge.
"Most of our programs generally do their best, but a brand-new freshman could be ill-prepared," McGowan says.
At the same time, a lack of experience may actually contribute to a volunteer's ability to generate enthusiasm in a classroom setting, McGowan adds.
"Sometimes volunteers will bring fresh energy and that's better than some of the jaded teachers in classrooms right now," he says.
Programs tend to place tremendous faith in the screening process and the intention of their volunteers to be positive forces both in the classroom and as students' mentors.
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