I
am proud to welcome you to a unique collaborative of universities, school districts, youth service
programs, and federal government programs. Twelve years ago there was no E. Desmond Lee Regional Institute of Tutorial Education. There were no offices, computers, brochures, academic or social training for staff, students or volunteers. I came here wondering how such diverse groups without a history of collaboration would assist the children of St. Louis. Today Des Lee’s vision has materialized. RITE has training programs for teachers, tutors, community leaders and others interested in improving the motivation, social and academic abilities of those they serve. In short, we are addressing the “achievement gap” with research-based, best practices programs. I could not have a better group of people to work with or a more worthwhile vision of the future, a future we are building together.
My academic background: I received a bachelor's degree in English and Secondary teacher certification from the University of Colorado--Boulder, a master's degree from UCLA, and a doctorate from Arizona State University. I have taught in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Ohio, Egypt, Turkey and China. I have been a Visiting Scholar at the University of Texas and at the University of Arizona. I received a Fulbright Senior Lectureship in Cairo, Egypt, where I remained for two additional years as the Director of the ESL Program at American University in Cairo. I have published four books and over thirty articles on literacy, international education and tutoring.
Judith Cochran, Ph.D.
Director