Volunteer Spotlight: Walter Skalla

Welcome to our new Volunteer Spotlight series! Each month, New Haven Reads will highlight one of our spectacular volunteers. Read on to learn more about one of our Science Park tutors, Walter Skalla.

Once a week at Science Park, Walter and Darius can be found reading or working on multiplication tables. Walter, a research chemist, works with 4th grader Darius. Each week the pair spends an hour focusing on reading and also some math exercises. When asked what he looks forward to each week, Darius responds,  ”Just having fun and doing what I’m supposed to do–math, playing games, a lot of reading with the books from my age group.”. Darius also recalls some favorite memories from New Haven Reads: reading about Paul Revere with Walter. He also thinks Walter is “ energetic and he wants to do math [multiplication tables].” In addition to volunteering at New Haven Reads, Walter likes to spend time golfing and running.

When did you first begin tutoring at New Haven Reads?

I was recruited at an information session held at Covidien around a year and a half ago.

What made you want to be involved?

A desire to get involved with a charity-one with a worthwhile cause. Also, my Dad was a teacher so that may have had an influence.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering at New Haven Reads?

I leave with a sense of accomplishment. I also enjoy seeing Darius improve-especially seeing improvement in math.

What keeps you coming back?

Again, I really like seeing the improvement and I like coming up with new ways to teach Darius.

Do you have any fun facts about yourself that you would like to share?

I am planning to compete in my first triathlon.

Thank you to Walter and all of our wonderful volunteers!