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

All volunteers with the City and County of San Francisco must provide proof of COVID vaccination.

After training, tutors are 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.