Chuck Kratzert tutors junior Cheyenne Purcell during directed study. Mr. Kratzert helps students with math to prepare for upcoming tests and exams.
by Abbey Stoneman and Sara Wagner
After 37 years teaching math at Varina, Chuck Kratzert retired, but he is back on campus working as a tutor and substitute teacher.
Throughout each school day in the Testing and Tutoring Center adjacent to the library, Mr. Kratzert tutors students in Algebra I, geometry and Algebra II.
Math teachers recommend students who would benefit from one-on-one instruction to Mr. Kratzert. Although he focuses on seniors, Mr. Kratzert tutors all grade levels.
Mr. Kratzert has tutored senior Elizabeth Bordonie since her sophomore year. She studies with him every day during directed study to improve her Algebra II skills. She said her grades have improved considerably.
“He helps me with a lot of work that I didn’t understand before,” Elizabeth said. “I appreciate him a lot because he takes his time to help students do better in school.”
Before retiring, Mr. Kratzert said he was burned out from grading papers, handling disciplinary problems and creating daily lesson plans. Frequently he held tutoring sessions, so he was experienced with helping students in small groups.
Because he loves to work as a tutor, Mr. Kratzert said he hopes to continue indefinitely.
“Seeing the light come on in their heads when they succeed after I help them and seeing them improve is what I like most about tutoring,” Mr. Kratzert said.
Senior Justice Elder has worked with Mr. Kratzert since his sophomore year. Justice said tutoring is an opportunity that more students should take advantage of.
“I like that I can get my homework done before I go home, and it’s always correct before I go to class,” Justice said.
SOL reading and writing tutor Sharon Dearth has known Mr. Kratzert for over 30 years. She said he makes a great tutor because he can explain things well, has a lot of energy and uses visual aids. She said it is easier to help four or five students at a time than 20 or 30.
Senior Cameron Lacks goes to Mr. Kratzert twice a week during second block to receive tutoring for his geometry class. Cameron said he strongly recommends tutoring to other students.
“I think everyone should get tutors,” Cameron said. “I went from an “F” to an “A” in a matter of weeks.”
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