How to Become a Volunteer Tutor

Job Description

The Position

A 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, and community-based organizations. 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

Project Read provides an interactive and comprehensive tutor training several times a year. Please contact us for more information and/or to sign up. Additional volunteer training is provided through tutor round table meetings, in-service classes, and direct support from our staff.

Our tutor class from 2015

Requirements

After training, the tutor is expected to:

  • Meet with a learner at least once a week for about 2-hours at a regularly scheduled time and place for a minimum of one year.

  • Help the learner to identify specific reading and writing 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 achievements.

  • Periodically evaluate the learner's reading and writing progress using the State Library's Roles and Goals achievement survey, and acknowledge his or her efforts and successes through the learner's portfolio.

  • Report tutoring hours each month. Promptly report concerns to Project Read staff or Tutor Contact.

  • Treat learners with respect and maintain a team approach to learning.

  • Complete online tutor interest form for Project Read.

Free Resources and Support

In addition to enhancing tutoring skills through in-service workshops and tutor round tables, tutors also benefit by:

  • Individual assistance from Project Read staff regarding instruction and materials.

  • Use of free instructional resources available in the Project Read office and library collections.

  • Attending special tutor-learner events.

  • Use of the TechLab and instructional software for tutoring purposes.

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