Tutors are the foundation of our work. LVOY is always seeking new tutors to serve those adults who come to us because they want to make their lives better. We provide everything you need to get started and staff support while you’re working with your learner. Here’s how it works:
No special experience is needed to become a successful tutor. Although many of our tutors do have backgrounds in education, it is not necessary. The most important trait is a desire to help others improve their literacy. Comprehensive tutor training is provided, and staff offer ongoing support to ensure your tutoring success.
When beginning the process, tutors complete some intake forms and we ask for references. Once that is done, you will attend a one-hour tutor orientation currently being held via Zoom. After that, you will receive credentials to sign on to our online tutor training program. This is a self-paced program. Most individuals can complete it in 8-12 hours. It’s something that can be completed easily over the course of a week or so. This training gives all our tutors a baseline of knowledge about working with adult learners.
After training is completed, LVOY staff will pair you with a learner to begin tutoring. You will meet with staff to review the learner’s goals and any particular learning challenges they face. Staff will review with you a learning plan that has been developed specifically for your learner and aimed at achieving the learner’s goals. Then, you and your learner will make arrangements for a convenient time and place to meet, and you can begin!
We ask tutors and learners to commit to meeting at least 1.5 hours each week. We understand sometimes things come up that can interfere with this schedule. However, this is the goal as it reflects the minimum amount of time necessary to make and maintain literacy gains.
Once you’re working with your tutor, staff are always available to support you. They will check in with you regularly and you should feel comfortable contacting them if you run into any sort of challenge.
You will be asked to report your tutoring hours monthly as well as any gains your learner has experienced.
Tutors need to be at least 18 years of age.
If you’d like to find out more about becoming a tutor, complete the form below and a staff person will be in touch to talk more about your specific interests.
