What qualifications do I need to be a tutor?
As a prospective tutor, you must:
- Be a high school graduate or equivalent
- Be sensitive to the issues of literacy, the adult learner, and other cultures
- Be willing to fill out an application form and necessary paperwork about your tutoring sessions and submit that paperwork in a timely manner. link to reports
- Complete a 12- to 16-hour LVT Tutor Training Workshop. This is spread over several days.
What if I attend the orientation and realize tutoring is not for me or is too big of a commitment, but I am passionate about literacy?
LVT has many other opportunities for volunteer service. You can help by making a donation, or by volunteering your time in one of the following programs:
- Front Desk Volunteers - Answer tutor and student calls and interview new students.
- Tutor Recruiters - Help reduce the student waiting list.
- Fundraising Events - Keep us afloat.
- Administrative Staff - Help with Printing, Data Entry, Tech Support and Grant Writing is always needed!
- Computer tutors – Help someone learn to use a computer from basic mouse skills to learning to work with Word and Excel.
What is the time commitment involved in tutoring?
Tutors should meet with their adult learner(s) twice a week for 1 to 1 ½ hours. This is the optimal scenario, but if time does not permit, at least once a week for two hours. Preparation time of about one hour for every two hours of instruction is usually adequate. LVT requests a commitment of 50 hours within a 12-month period after a tutor completes the training workshop. It turns out to be about a 5- to 7-hour per week commitment.
Are there any fees involved in becoming a tutor?
Yes, there is a $50 charge for the tutor training, which includes a background check. We have many resources in the library for you to utilize in teaching your student. These materials may be checked out with your valid Pima County Library Card or you may use the copiers in the office for your tutoring materials to use with your student. A few training scholarships are available upon written request.
What are the Tutor Duties?
- Meet regularly and punctually
- Coordinate lesson planning if team tutoring
- Prepare each lesson to meet learner's goals and needs
- Identify the learner's special interests and integrate related material into lessons
- Assess progress after specified intervals and at the end of the teaching year
