Purpose
To help adults learn to read and write
and to widen their horizons through a one-to-one relationship, emphasizing personal attention.
Training
A 10 hour workshop leading to
certification as a literacy tutor; in-service tutor meetings and individual consultation with the Literacy
Council staff throughout the year.
Place of Work
Tutoring can take place in a church,
a library or other public location agreed on by both the tutor and student.
Hours
After the 10 hour tutor training workshop,
the tutor and student meet twice a week for 1½ - 2 hours each session, allowing enough time between
lessons for independent work by the student.
Goals
We ask that you make a commitment of 6 months
of tutoring. At the end of that time we would meet with you to discuss extending your commitment
and service.
Duties
1. Provide encouragement and support to adult students:
a. Help students to develop self-confidence and a
positive attitude forlearning by encouraging them and complimenting their
work.
b. Show acceptance of students by listening to what they
have to say and demonstrating personal concern.
c. Understand reasons why students have trouble learning
to read.
d. Meet on a regular basis, be dependable and punctual.
2. Give the students instruction based on lesson plans
and materials provided during your workshop.
3. Review with the students the work they have done
independently.
4. Submit a monthly record of student’s progress and
attendance hours.
General Qualifications: Tutors should be interested
in others and able to relate to them by being empathetic and
compassionate. We ask that you be respectful of confidentiality. A tutor should be literate (professional training unnecessary),
flexible, friendly, patient and optimistic. A sense of humor is helpful, as is the ability to be
happy with small successes.
Rewards: Being a volunteer tutor is very rewarding.
It is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with someone and know you are making a big difference in
their life. Work performance evaluations and references will be provided on request.
There is great satisfaction in knowing that you have helped someone, and given back to your
community.
The Council offers continuing in-service training
classes for tutors, providing a chance to learn about additional techniques and teaching materials. We
strongly encourage attendance at these sessions. We also like to hear your thoughts and ideas
on what kinds of continuing education are most useful for you.
