FOG Readers Tutor

Join us in helping students boost their reading skills and build confidence.

In the FOG Readers Program, students experience remarkable progress, with an average increase of half a grade level in just 3 months. They also develop a love for reading and engage in more independent reading at home.

FOG Readers is a personalized tutoring program specifically designed for students in grades 1-4 who live or attend school in San Francisco. Families can easily sign up online to request a tutor, and we maintain an ongoing waitlist to ensure every student who needs this program receives the support they need.
 

As a FOG Readers tutor, you can expect:

• Comprehensive training: You will receive seven and a half hours of training where you'll learn effective strategies for building reading skills. Topics covered include letter-sound relationships, word decoding techniques, word analysis and understanding word meanings through word parts.
• Assigned students: You will be matched with a student for weekly tutoring sessions, providing personalized instruction and support.
• Time commitment: Each week, you can expect to spend one hour of instructional time with your student, along with an additional hour for preparation (preparation time may vary among tutors).
• Ongoing support: The FOG Readers team will be there to support you every step of the way. We'll provide resources and guidance, and cheer you on as you make a difference in your student's reading journey.
   

Reading development takes time and consistency is key. If you are considering this as a volunteer opportunity, we ask that you make sure you can commit at least six months from the time you get paired with a student. Training, fingerprinting process, verification and matching can take several weeks.

High schoolers, age 15 and older, are welcome to apply to become tutors but we ask for the same six-month commitment starting from the time you get paired with a student.  Please let us know if you are in high school and under the age of 18.

Additionally, those considering tutoring should be able to meet the requirements for working with children that includes having a clear conviction history as determined by fingerprinting at the City and County of San Francisco’s Department of Human Resources, the cost of which is covered by the Library. Additionally, any volunteer for the City and County of San Francisco, which includes the Library, must provide proof of COVID vaccination.

We look forward to the opportunity to prepare you to become an effective literacy tutor in FOG Readers methodology! The next training will take place on:

• Saturday, October 7 and Saturday, October 14, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in person at the Main Library (both sessions required)
   

More sessions will be scheduled. Please check back for additional tutor training dates.

Ready to get started? Please complete the online Become a Tutor form.

How big is the issue of reading instruction?

We are glad you asked.  It is a big complex and nationwide issue. Learn more by tuning in to Audio Documentaries about Learning to Read to get inspired and become a tutor to be part of the solution. 

We are also working hard to spread the word about our wonderful tutor efforts in FOG Readers and even gained a Library recognition award, the ULC Top Innovation Award.

I am looking for volunteer opportunities to share with others, what can I point them to?

Thank you for helping us spread the word about the FOG Readers Tutoring Program to possible tutors.  Here is a great initial document to share with them: FOG Readers Program Volunteer Overview