JOB DESCRIPTION:

THE POSITION

The Project Read tutor meets regularly with an adult learner who wants to improve his or her reading and writing skills. Volunteers tutor at libraries, adult educational facilities, community-based organizations and sometimes in homes. Tutors must be at least 20 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Patience, sensitivity, and flexibility are essential. Project Read reserves the right to decline the services of any volunteer deemed unable to fulfill the requirements of a tutor in this literacy program.

TRAINING

Tutors are required to attend an orientation, complete twelve hours of basic tutor training and attend at least 3 workshops each year, such as bi-monthly continuing education workshops and/or tutor roundtables. There is a $25.00 non-refundable training fee to cover the cost of instruction and materials for the tutor training. Scholarships are available.

REQUIREMENTS

After training, the tutor is expected to:

• Meet with a learner one to two times a week for 2-hour sessions at a regularly scheduled time and place for a minimum of one year.
• Help the learner to identify specific goals.
• Set aside time each week to plan reading and writing lessons that will help the learner achieve their goals.
• Keep a written log of lesson content and observations of progress.
• Assist the learner to develop a portfolio of his/her writings.
• Attend quarterly pair reviews with Project Read staff and the learner.
• Periodically evaluate the learner's reading progress and achievements. Acknowledge his or her efforts and successes through the ongoing development of the learner portfolio.
• Seek support from and report tutoring hours to an assigned Tutor Contact by phone each month. Promptly report concerns or unusual interruptions to the Learner/Tutor Manager or Tutor Contact.
• Treat learners with respect and maintain a team approach to learning.

FREE RESOURCES AND SUPPORT

In addition to enhancing tutoring skills through bimonthly continuing education workshops and tutor roundtables tutors benefit by:

• Individual assistance from Project Read staff regarding instruction and materials.
• Using library materials and seeking individual assistance from librarians.
• Attending special tutor-learner events.
• Use of the Project Read Computer Lab for tutoring purposes.

Please contact the Project Read office at 415-557-4388 for information about upcoming tutor trainings.