SALISBURY, MD – As a bastion of reading and writing tutoring, Salisbury University’s May Literacy Center has helped more than 1,000 local children in kindergarten through eighth grade.
This year, the facility celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The center was born out of an endowment from Dr. John May, a former SU faculty member who was diagnosed with dyslexia, and his wife, Dr. Florence Simmonds May. They knew from their own experiences that there were children who needed extra help. Their generosity and that of other supporters has changed many lives in the past three decades.
“All children learn at a different pace, and the May Literacy Center has always been a place where young students who need that helping hand can find a safe place to learn, catch up and even excel in literacy comprehension,” said Dr. Laurie Henry, Dean of SU’s Samuel W. and Marilyn C. Seidel School of Education. “Since its inception, it has meant as much to SU faculty and teaching candidates as those receiving the tutoring.”
The center began as an idea for faculty to assist local students with learning exceptionalities. The tutoring aspect began just over 20 years ago and now stands as the center’s cornerstone, providing tutoring services throughout the year from its peak of 70 students each fall to some 10-12 students during the summer. Tutors focus on those from socio-economically disadvantaged situations and specialize in children for whom English may not be their first language.
“There are not a lot of programs for students who need help to get involved in,” said Dr. Brian Flores, the center’s director. “There may be some afterschool programs, or you can pay for tutoring, but it’s expensive and not all families can afford that. We’re one of the only options out there for some, and I think we’re one of the best options.”
The benefits of the center are clear to Flores and staff working with students. After the first three weeks, many express to their parents that they finally enjoy reading.
“From a community standpoint, I think it makes a big impact because we get to help children who are possibly slipping through the cracks in their literacy program at school who may need some extra support services on their reading and writing,” said Flores.
The Center is staffed by SU’s teaching candidates, who grow as teachers through the program. That experience is particularly valuable this year, as those candidates have seen limited classroom exposure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The physical location for the center was only recently established with the construction of Conway Hall. Prior to its completion in 2008, faculty and teacher candidates working with the May Literacy program would use empty classrooms, office space and even hallways to conduct tutoring.
“Having a dedicated space makes a really big difference for the students,” Flores said. “We know that children, and particularly elementary and middle school students, thrive when they have consistency. The beauty of where we are currently is that we have three private tutoring rooms. If you have a student who has a particular exceptionality, you can work with them in a private space and not be distracted by all the noise that is happening around you.”
Along with the space, the center has built up its available resources over the years with two libraries – one for teachers, the other for children – and a teacher resource room, with tactile manipulatives like sand for kids to draw in, STEM infused literacy kits, and other educational materials.
The center is always evolving. Flores hopes the next 30 years will see an expansion of programs for students and enhanced partnerships with SU’s School of Social Work and English Language Institute. He also aspires to partner with other campus organizations to go into the schools and expand the center’s reach to impact more lives.
To learn more about the May Literacy Center and how students can get involved, call 410-546-4378 or visit the center’s webpage at www.salisbury.edu/academic-offices/education/may-literacy-center.
Learn more about how SU students and faculty are exploring opportunities for greatness and making tomorrow theirs at www.salisbury.edu.
