Tutor

Volunteer Tutor Position Description
(to register as a Tutor, click here)

The purpose of our volunteer tutors is to tutor an adult learner or small group of learners in reading, writing, spelling, basic math and/or basic computer skills.

Volunteer tutors have several responsibilities including:

• Understand LCYS mission and mandate.
• Review with staff and student the student’s learning goals and training plan.
• Work with staff to select appropriate teaching materials that suit the student’s goals, abilities and interests.
• Plan and prepare materials for weekly tutoring sessions.
• Tutor the student once per week for a minimum of two hours at the office or in a public place.
• Maintain weekly session reports.
• Assist in reviewing progress and revising the student’s training plan on an ongoing basis.
• Attend tutor training seminars as scheduled.
• Maintain a positive, patient attitude that encourages learning.
• Tell staff about changes in appointments.
• Inform staff if match with student is unsuccessful.
• Discuss student’s progress with staff.
• Discuss problems/issues with staff when they arise.
• Keep record of volunteer hours, including participation at events (sign in sheets available).

Volunteer Tutors require:

• A patient, open minded, flexible attitude.
• A completed application form.
• Deliver training at LCYS office or in a public place.
• Willingness to try new and creative ways of teaching.
• An understanding of student-centred approach to teaching and learning.
• Good verbal skills; good listening skills.
• Good skills in reading, writing, spelling, basic math, and/or computer.
• The ability to keep appointments weekly.
• Respect for confidentiality.
• Respect for student’s goals.

They must also:

• Attend an orientation session and interview with staff member.
• Attend a 12-15 hour initial training session.
• Participate in ongoing workshops.
• Minimum of 2 hours per week to deliver training.
• One half hour to one hour for planning and preparation.
• Long range commitment of 12 months minimum.

To find out what other tutors are saying about their Volunteer Tutor experience read our Tutor Testimonials.

Tutor Testimonials

Tutoring has been such a rewarding experience for me! I was looking for a volunteer job several years ago and couldn't believe that the Literacy Council was looking for someone to help people achieve their goal in life by improving their reading skills. I have been so fortunate to have a student who appreciates books as much as I do and I also feel that I have been able to build confidence in him so that he can feel that he will eventually be able to fulfill his dream of continuing his education. I feel that I have received as much from this experience with him as he may have received from me during the years we have been together.

Julie S

Tutoring has been one of the most satisfying tasks I have ever performed. The students` results are impressive. Learning adults are so very much more challenged than full time students as the commitment level is more significant. Working a full time job, perhaps parenting, marriage/partnering and more is demanding in itself. Our students take on this and the impressive task of upgrading their education skills. To have a student thank you for taking time to help them is mystifying to me. I am the one in awe of them as they meet & overcome their challenges. I suppose in the end we are learning from each other. Truly inspiring.

Debbie M

When I first started at the Literacy Council, my goal was "to make a difference", to teach and share what I knew. Little did I know that my tutoring experience was actually going to teach me more than what I taught someone else. I had a rocky start. Recently retired from the Corporate World, I was used to clear goals. Success was not only in achieving each goal but in achieving it faster than originally planned. I was used to structure, timelines and quantitative measurements of my work. Till I threw all that out the window, my tutoring did not proceed well. I had to replace structure with creativity, timelines with flexibility and goals with the joy of small steps of progress. Though I am the tutor, I have been tutored well at the Literacy Council and by my student. Thanks to both for a wonderful year of learning.

Geetha K

I started tutoring last summer after hearing an ad on the radio for the Literacy Council. My love of reading inspired me to want to help someone else enjoy the same thing. Tutoring has helped me develop some creativity and gives me a lot of satisfaction. When I see my student progress I feel that I have really made a contribution to someone's life. The Literacy Council is a valuable part of our community.

Jean W

Reading and writing have always been a tremendously important part of my family's life. To have the chance to share this pleasure with adults who didn't have the same opportunities I had is one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences I could ever imagine.