FOG Readers Tutor

FOG Readers Tutors banner

Join the FOG Readers program in helping students boost their reading skills and build confidence.

FOG Readers is a one-on-one tutoring program for San Francisco students in grades 1-4. Families sign up to request a tutor, and we maintain an ongoing waitlist to ensure every student who needs this program receives the support they need.

Tutor qualifications:

  • Are age 15 and older.
  • Attend an 8-hour FOG Readers tutor training.
  • Have a clear conviction history as determined by fingerprinting at the City and County of San Francisco’s Department of Human Resources. The cost is covered by the San Francisco Public Library.
    • Adults:  the fingerprinting process requires you to show documents to verify identity and residence--click here for details.
    • High school students: your adult guardian may need to accompany you to the appointment to show documents to verify their identity/residence and yours--click here for details.
  • Can commit 2 hours a week: 1 hour of instruction and 1 hour of preparation for a minimum of 6 months

 

What should you expect as a tutor?

Comprehensive training: 

Tutors receive 8 hours of training, during which they 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 student: 

Tutors will be matched with a student for weekly tutoring sessions. By following the FOG Readers curriculum and using multisensory techniques, tutors help their students develop the skills they need to become effective readers.

Time commitment: 

  • Weekly tutoring sessions: 45 minutes to 1 hour of instruction time.
  • 1 hour of preparation time per tutoring session (may vary).
  • Minimum commitment of six months from when you are paired with a student.
  • Instruction, preparation, and commute time to and from your assigned library are counted towards volunteer hours.

Ongoing support: 

The FOG Readers team will support you every step of the way. We'll provide resources, guidance, and cheer you on as you make a difference in your student's reading journey.

 

Sign-up to be a FOG Readers Tutor:

Click here to submit an online FOG Readers Volunteer Tutor Interest Form.

After submitting the Volunteer Tutor Interest Form, you will receive an email with registration links for the next scheduled training sessions. If you are unable to attend on those dates, you can request to be notified of future training dates.

 

FOG Readers Tutor Training Schedule:

Saturday, January 24 & Saturday, January 31

10:00am - 2:00pm via Zoom

Both sessions are required.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! You can select from any San Francisco Public Library that is not currently being renovated.

No. Only the FOG Readers curriculum should be covered during your tutoring sessions.

If you do not have a current California State ID (either a driver’s license or identification card), your parent/guardian must accompany you to your fingerprinting appointment. See details here. 

All communication will be done directly with the tutor. The FOG Readers team does not communicate with the tutor’s parent.

Parents/guardians are not allowed to sign up their teen to be a tutor or attend tutor training for their teen.

Typically, it can take 1 to 2 months depending on how quickly the tutor passes the background check, submits availability, and the response time from the student’s family.