Volunteer Spotlight: Tim Reynolds

Making an Impact in the Classroom with Junior Achievement

Author: Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Published: Tuesday, 04 Feb 2025

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Image caption: Tim Reynolds: Inspiring the next generation through mentorship and dedication.

At Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, we are incredibly fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who are passionate about empowering students with essential life skills. One of those outstanding volunteers is Tim Reynolds, an IT professional with GreenState Credit Union. Tim has been an integral part of our Junior Achievement (JA) programs for the past six years, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and real-world knowledge to students of all ages.

Getting to Know Tim Reynolds

Tim is a married father of three with over 20 years of experience in IT consulting and management. A graduate of Iowa State University, he started his career in Washington, D.C., before returning to Cedar Rapids with his family. His deep appreciation for education, influenced by his wife’s career as a kindergarten teacher, inspired him to start volunteering with JA.

A Passion for Teaching and Inspiring Students

Tim’s journey with Junior Achievement began when his son was in kindergarten. Recognizing the importance of educating young minds about financial literacy and career readiness, he stepped into the classroom and never looked back. Since then, he has taught various JA programs, including Kindergarten, 3rd grade, and Middle School BizTown. His favorite? The kindergarten lessons, which he knows so well that he jokes he can teach them in his sleep!

Bringing Lessons to Life

For Tim, one of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering with JA is witnessing the excitement in students when they engage with the lessons. “Kids are so happy for the change of pace in their day and the ability to interact with someone new,” he shares. He loves the interactive nature of JA’s curriculum and the opportunity to provide students with insights into the ‘real world.’

The Impact of Junior Achievement

Through his years of volunteering, Tim has seen firsthand the benefits of Junior Achievement programs. “JA takes the time to emphasize things that are critical in an adult’s daily life. It gives kids the words and understanding for the world they see their parents engaged in daily—why work, choices, needs vs. wants, money, and community matter so much.”

One of his favorite moments? When former students recognize him years later and excitedly greet him with, “Hi, Mr. Reynolds!”—a testament to the lasting impression he leaves on the young minds he teaches.

Encouraging Others to Get Involved

When asked what advice he would give to those considering volunteering, Tim is clear: “Do it. No amount of time is too much. Your willingness to interact with the kids in your community will give you more perspective on yourself and improve your capabilities as a decision-maker in the world.”

Tim is grateful for the support of GreenState Credit Union, which encourages employee volunteerism and values community engagement. Their commitment to making a difference aligns perfectly with his passion for education and mentorship.

Thank You, Tim!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tim for his dedication to Junior Achievement and the students he inspires. His commitment to fostering financial literacy and real-world skills in young learners makes a lasting impact on our community. Thank you for being a role model and champion for the next generation!

Interested in becoming a Junior Achievement volunteer like Tim? Visit https://easterniowa.ja.org/volunteer/index to learn more about how you can get involved and make a difference in the lives of students in Eastern Iowa!