Job Description:
Basic Literacy Tutor
Purpose
To help adults learn and/or build on reading and writing skills to meet self-identified goals.
Responsibilities
- Encourage and support the learners by:
- helping them develop confidence and a positive attitude about learning
- respecting them and involving them in decisions about the learning process
- selecting adult materials and approaches that are suitable for the learners' ability and needs
- supporting them and praising them for their efforts
- seeking to understand the psychological, emotional, and physical problems that may cause
adults to have difficulty learning to read
- meeting regularly and punctually
- Be well prepared and design lessons based on the needs and interests of the learners using standardized educational materials
- Review with the learners any work they have done independently
- Keep records of each learner's progress and complete monthly program reports
- Notify the program of any change in schedule or tutoring location
Tutoring Sites
One-to-one tutoring is held in a neutral place. Recommended is the downtown, Caille, Oak View or Ronning branch libraries or a church in the neighborhood of the reader. The tutor/new reader work together to set up a suitable meeting place. Pairs are not allowed to meet in private locations or homes due to insurance concerns.
Commitment
Tutoring sessions are set with learners for 1 to 1 1/2 hours on a set day of the week.
Tutor Training
- Orientation and training (approximately 3 hours) required including the Laubach Basic "Way To Reading" techniques and Teaching Reading/Writing Tutor Training workshops
- Tutor volunteers are encouraged to take advantage of workshops offered through the Literacy Council office, local and national conferences as well as online resources.
Volunteer Qualifications
- Be dependable and prompt
- Be able to relate well to a variety of people
- Be willing to maintain confidentiality
- Have good reading and writing skills
- Be flexible and friendly
- Be patient and optimistic
- Past educational background may be helpful but not required