Become a Volunteer Tutor
Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven is always looking for volunteer tutors over the age of 18 to work with our adult students. We welcome men and women of all backgrounds who have a good grasp of the English language. You can make a huge difference in another person’s life.
How can you help?
- Tutoring (English, reading, math)
- Clerical or administrative support
- Board Member or Board Committee Member
- Marketing Communications (press releases, flyers, social media, surveys, etc.)
- Fundraising
- Special Applied Literacy Classes
- Special Events (Scrabble Challenge, Books & Brews, etc.)
- Leading Specialized Workshops or Tutor Training
If you would like to learn more about volunteering, the first step is to complete our online application below.
Tutoring
To become a Literacy Volunteers tutor, you do not need to have teaching experience. You do not have to be able to speak another language. Our staff will provide you with all the training and support you need. The commitment is usually one session per week lasting 2.0 hours.
The commitment for tutoring is between six months and a year due to the amount of time invested in training resources.
When you become a tutor, we will provide you with training and match you with one or more students. You may teach adult students English conversation skills, reading or math. Or you might help them prepare for the citizenship exam, apply for jobs and meet other specific goals. What you teach depends on your areas of interest, the needs or goals of the individual student and practical applications of the English language.
Tutor Training
You will be assigned a Program Manager/Literacy Coordinator who will give you excellent textbooks to guide you through tutoring. You will attend a Tutor Training for your chosen area (ESOL and/or Basic Literacy).
- English for Speakers of Other Languages: Our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program helps adults improve their comprehension, speaking, reading and writing of English. Your tutoring helps them communicate better with their children’s teachers, order a pizza on the phone, or read the directions on a prescription bottle. Some students go on to take college courses.
- Basic Literacy: Our Basic Literacy program helps adult students improve their understanding of the written word. They may want to learn to read to grandchildren, get a driver’s license, earn a GED, or even become a minister. Your Program Manager will assign the text book that is best suited to your student’s reading level. We have tutor locations throughout the Greater New Haven, Meriden/Wallingford and Valley areas.
How to Become a Tutor
- Adults who would like to become Volunteer Tutors at Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven must be at least 18 years old and must have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Fill out and submit our online application form below. We will contact you to make an appointment for an orientation session.
- Choose whether you would like to tutor in Basic Literacy or in English for Speakers of Other Language (ESOL).
- Attend a New Tutor Orientation, where staff will give an overview of our agency, explain what a literacy tutor does, where we need tutors and what to expect from the training. Staff will also talk with you about your interests and availability. You may ask as many questions as you like.
- Attend three (3) Tutor Training sessions, over three (3) weeks, for a total of six (6) hours.
- Complete two (2) Class Observations of current tutors with their students.
- Meet with your Program Manager or Literacy Coordinator to find out who student/students you will be matched with and reveal the curriculum that you will use.
- Begin tutoring, with a co-tutor or on your own. Staff will work closely with you to make sure this is a successful and fulfilling experience.
- Stay in touch with your program manager and attend Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven Workshops throughout the year.
Volunteer Tutor Application
