This letter is a version of one I use for my college English classes that I teach– except that this one is modified slightly for tutoring:
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My wife and I had a conversation, back in 2020, about my new classes. She said that you all were like The Avengers at the end of the movie: you are brave and strong, but you have been through a lot. (I believe she meant Avengers: Endgame, but I don’t think it really matters too much which Avengers movie she meant. It easily applies to more than one of them, I’d say.) I am proud of all of you for surviving all this time, which has been a… bad time. But you survived it. Whatever you had to do to survive all this time has gotten you to this point.
My wife spoke of what role I need to play in your superhero movie: “The professor’s role is Ned’s, from Spider-Man: Homecoming: The Guy in the Chair.”
…Yes, I thought: The Guy in the Chair, who guides you to your goal. The guy in the chair doesn’t yell at you: the guy in the chair understands and helps, a one-person help desk (among other things) for improving reading and writing skills. If you are puzzled or confused about anything concerning those areas, I am here.
Some in the group of superheroes I’m addressing with this letter may be differently-abled when it comes to learning; you also doubtless come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. None of that matters to me: you’re just superheroes. Whatever your particular needs, I’m here for you.
It is the Guy in the Chair’s job to be approachable, friendly, and understanding.
In 2020 and 2021, I had many students apologize to me for the problems they had. I told them that there’s no need to apologize for the problems that life started throwing at you. Don’t feel bad nor take it out on yourself if you have problems. Life is more of a challenge than it used to be, and we need support from other people.
Some students have more trouble than others with certain specific skills. However, I am an optimist. I honestly believe that you can do this, with my Guy in the Chair help. Yes, you have to do the work, but you’re not alone. All you have to do is talk to me (the Guy in the Chair).
You can do this. You are strong. You are superheroes.
I’m proud to be your Guy in the Chair.
–P. Cooper
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