TUTORING
RWALP’s volunteer tutors teach adults to read, write, and speak English. The different needs and objectives of individual students are carefully matched with the strengths and experience of particular tutors.
TUTOR ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Demonstrate the ability to speak, write and understand English well enough to communicate clearly. Volunteers must have at least a high school diploma or GED to be eligible to be tutors.
- Agree to tutor an adult student twice per week, 60-90 minutes per lesson, at times agreed upon with the adult student. Some tutors and students may agree to meet once per week with longer sessions.
- Agree to plan appropriately for each tutoring session in keeping with the learner's objectives. Most tutors allocate 30- 60 minutes per week to prepare for tutoring sessions.
- Agree to tutor a student at least 12 months. A volunteer that drops out can be a tremendous disappointment to the new reader or leaner of English. Be prepared to tutor a student for at least one year.
- Able to meet with a student at an approved tutoring site. RWALP will help you find a site to meet.
- Agree to supply your own transportation to and from the tutoring site.
- Successfully complete the 20 hour Tutor training course. Tutor training is offered several times throughout the year.
- Agree to complete student progress reports accurately and in a timely manner.
Have Questions?
Please call the office at 505-886-3333 and/ or fill out our Volunteer Tutor Form and our staff will get back to you.
Tutoring FAQ
Do I need to know a second language to teach English to a non-English speaker?
No, you do not need to speak a second language. Our training program assumes that you do not speak a foreign language. Training is provided by ProLiteracy America certified trainers and a variety of methods are used to teach non-English speakers in the English language.
Do I have to come to the Read “Write” Adult Literacy office to tutor?
Many tutors like to use our offices because resource materials are close at hand. However, we have found that the best site is one that is convenient for you and your student. Our tutors use public libraries, churches, senior centers and business locations for tutoring. The only requirement is that you meet at a public site. Tutoring sessions are never held at an individual’s home. . Sites are approved by the Program Director. We make every effort to provide a safe learning environment for the tutor and student that respects the student’s confidentiality.
What happens if I need to miss a meeting with my student?
Over the course of a year or two, you and your student will have valid reasons for missing some tutoring sessions. Rescheduling is arranged to suit both parties.
What happens if I do not feel the match is working out?
You should talk to the Read “Write” Adult Literacy Program Director who will discuss your concerns and either resolve them or assign you to another student.
What does it cost to be a literacy tutor?
There is no fee for participating in the program.
What are the benefits of becoming a volunteer tutor?
As a tutor, you are personally addressing the huge issues of illiteracy. Watching your student master new skills is extremely gratifying. In addition, many tutors enjoy building new relationships and learning about other cultures. Tutoring is a rewarding activity at any age.
How do I get started?
Please call the office at 505-886-3333 and/ or fill out our Volunteer Tutor Form and our staff will get back to you.
If I am unable to tutor at this time, what else can I do to help the program?
Many people find that for various reasons they are not able to give the time necessary to tutor a student, but are able to make this a goal for the future. There are many other ways to get involved. Click here to explore other opportunities.
Helping in other areas?
If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities in the Moriarty / Torrance County area, or adjacent communities, click here for a listing of organizations.
