Volunteer Tutor Training
Volunteer tutors aid our adult learners in reaching their goals. Volunteer tutors work with classroom instructors to supplement and enrich instruction. Within the classroom, tutors may work one-on-one with a student or with small groups of students. By forming a team with instructors, additional voices, ears, eyes and smiles are always available for the class. This arrangement also allows tutors to have a flexible schedule for travel or family commitments. See the Job Description below for more details.
Volunteer tutors are placed in a classroom setting based on instructor need. The tutor's area of interest and schedule are also considered. Volunteer tutors do not need a teaching certificate or to be able to speak a foreign language. All volunteer tutors complete NCC's free tutor training course (see Tutor Training Workshops below) prior to classroom placement.
For the important service which they provide, tutors are recognized throughout the year with birthday and 'thank you' cards, Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley 'Someone Special' awards, and small gifts during National Volunteer Week. Two tutors each year are also invited to attend the Valley-wide 'Breakfast of Champions.' During the year end "Celebration of Achievement," tutors are publicly presented with a certificate signed by the director of the Center for Adult Literacy & Basic Workforce Development as well as the Vice President of Community Education.
Tutor Job Description
- Complete the Tutor Training workshop
- Volunteer at least once a week for a minimum of six months
- Keep an accurate record of time volunteered
- Model respect and understanding for students
- Participate in additional training workshops
- Be flexible and adaptive
- Practice patience and sensitivity
- Keep a sense of humor
- Share enthusiasm
- Help recruit those who love to learn … as they also will be wonderful tutors
Tutor Training Workshops
Workshops to train public volunteer tutors are held periodically throughout the year. Volunteer tutors will discuss characteristics of adult learners, view videos, learn teaching strategies, role-play, and experience "hands-on" tutoring in the areas of GED Preparation, Basic Skills, and English as a Second Language.
To find out more about how to enroll in a tutor training workshop in your area, email our Tutor Coordinator Karen Zaun at tutoringinfo@northampton.edu.
