BECOMING A LITERACY VOLUNTEER TUTOR

What is the tutoring time commitment every week?
LVFC recommends that each volunteer tutor two hours a week. Meeting twice weekly helps the tutoring momentum. In addition, there is lesson plan preparation time and tutor self-assessment time.

How long do I keep tutoring?
Tutors are asked for a one-year commitment after their training program is completed. A tutor may have one student for the entire year or several consecutive students. After the first year, tutors must complete continuing education in-services to remain active.

What about holidays, vacations, the summer?
As adults, both tutors and students occasionally have other commitments. The tutoring pair works out the logistical details and then informs the LVFC office. Substitutes can be used if desired.

Tell me about signing up for tutor training.
Interested volunteers contact the office and set up an interview appointment. During the interview, the LVFC staff will answer any questions about tutoring, describe the training and tutoring process and discuss the special focus of working with adult learners. Registration of prospective tutors consists of the interview and a completed application. LVFC maintains each prospective tutor on file for one year: we will continue to contact you before each training workshop to determine whether or not you are available to attend the training.

Tell me about tutor training.
To be certified an LVFC tutor, most prospective tutors must complete an eighteen-hour workshop prior to being matched with a student.* Partial attendance at training sessions is NOT acceptable for tutor certification, unless discussed beforehand with the tutor trainer.

*Potential tutors who have work experience in teaching reading, writing, ESOL at the elementary level may be eligible for an independent study of LVFC tutoring materials and methods. If you feel you are qualified for this exemption, please see the LVFC staff. Tutor training topics include working with adult learners, learning styles, the reading process, the writing process, methods and techniques for tutoring in Basic Literacy (BL) or English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL); assessments; cultural sensitivity; lesson planning; goal setting. Question and answer sessions and quick reviews follow each topic. The tutor-training workshop ends with certification of the new tutors and a workshop evaluation by both the trainees and the trainers.

How do I start tutoring after I've finished the training?
At the end of the tutor training, new tutors list their preferences regarding the following:

• Basic Literacy (reading and writing) OR ESOL OR no preference
• Time(s) of Day
• Location(s) - public libraries in the county
• Student's level of Skill - beginning OR intermediate OR no preference
• Gender preference OR no preference.

How does the LVFC staff help me once I start tutoring?
LVFC staff assesses each student. When a "match" is made between tutor and learner, the staff will contact the tutor. Assessment data, learner goals and potential lesson plans will be discussed with the tutor. The tutor will contact the new learner and set up a meeting at a local library. After 2-3 meetings, the tutor will contact the office and update the LVFC staff. Ongoing support is available for tutors via email, phones or meetings. Each quarter, the tutor will be contacted for informal assessments and short-term goals identification (see form for submitting goals and hours). As part of the self-assessment, tutors will be asked if there are any needs for additional in-service training. A tutor email group is available for those who want to share best practices.

What are a tutor's administrative responsibilities?
LVFC informally monitors an active tutor's participation in the affiliate. We expect tutors to comply with the LVFC agreement; report student progress and tutoring hours on a quarterly basis; and respond reasonably to the needs and requests of the student. Tutors may assist with end of the year assessments. LVFC strongly encourages the use of portfolios as a means of authentic assessment. Tutors remaining with LVFC after the first year are required to participate in continuing education.