looking back 2008
Catching Up with
JoAnn McCullough
It’s been exactly 12years since Montclair
Magazine spoke with JoAnn McCullough,
executive director of the Improving Montclair
Achievement Network Initiative (IMANI),
for its 2008 Back to School issue.
At the time, McCullough recalled telling
apastor about the missionary work she and her
husband performed inKenya when they were first
married. “Now Iunderstand how you’ve been able
to do all you’ve been able to do!” the clergyman
had said with alaugh. “You have the backbone of
aperson with amission.”
That observation is just as true today, more than
20 years after the group came together at the behest
of Montclair public schools leaders to improve the
achievement of all the district’s students. IMANI still
serves roughly 300 students, and “remains parentdriven,”
McCullough says. “If astudent is going to
come on board, the parent has to, too.”
But while the group began asasource ofSAT
preparation for high school seniors, its mission has
now grown to offer instruction for students in grades
K-12. And though the organization relied onvolun-
teers atthe beginning, itnow uses the services of
high school students, parents and teachers, as well
as professionals from aClifton-based company
called Smart Learner.
Then, ofcourse, there are the changes brought
on by the coronavirus pandemic. Since its arrival,
IMANI’s instruction and support have come
virtually, via Zoom. This has included Wednesday
night “bedtime stories” read by Montclair resident
and NYC Corporate Counsel Jim Johnson; Sunday
afternoon tutoring by professionals for high schoolol
students in English, history, math and other subjects;
professional SAT preparation for groups of 10 at
atime; and weekday instruction for kids in K-5 by
high school students.
In the fall, McCullough says, IMANI instructorss
can continue toteach virtually, in person or in whatever
combination the school system chooses. “We
continue to assess what we provide to our students,” ts,”
says McCullough. “We’re evolving to make certain
that we’re giving them the best possible services.” ■
For more information, contact JoAnn McCulloughugh
at (973) 509-2822, ore-mail [email protected].
—CINDY SCHWEICH HANDLER
PORTRAIT: COURTESY OFMARGOT COCHRAN
36 BACK TOSCHOOL 2020 MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE