Volunteer Literacy Tutoring: Become a Tutor

How to Become a Volunteer Literacy Tutor

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I have to do to become a tutor?

You must have completed high school and have adequate language skills to be able to assist another person in developing basic literacy and communication skills.

Complete the 17 hour training workshop. After training is completed, you will meet with the coordinator in your area to be assigned a student or small group, or placed as a classroom aide.

View the rest of this web site or contact the Literacy Line (1-800-322-8715), or the coordinator in your area for general information on the tutoring program.

What is the commitment?

Complete one training workshop.
Meet 2-4 hours a week with your student.
Commit to at least 6 months of tutoring.
Complete end-of-term reports on your students’ progress and hours tutored.

Whom do I tutor?

Volunteers can choose to work in three different areas. A tutor can work one-on-one, with a small group, or as a classroom assistant to a paid instructor. Tutors work with English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), ABE students or GED students.

Where do I tutor?

Tutoring can take place in many different places. Many tutors meet at a PCC campus or site, at the public library, in community centers or in churches. We encourage tutors and students to find a place that is convenient for both parties. It is recommended that tutoring be arranged in public places. (If a person chooses to tutor in their home or the student’s home they do so at their own risk. PCC does not assume liability for tutors and students when meeting in a private home.)

What can I expect from tutoring?

Helping a person improve his/her reading, writing, math or English skills can be very rewarding. Tutors and students come from diverse cultural, linguistic and social backgrounds. The exchange that occurs between them is usually a mutually enriching one. It is often this special relationship with the volunteer tutor that gives the adult learner the opportunity to improve basic skills, develop self-esteem and become a lifelong learner.

Tutor Training Calendar

The Tutor Training Workshop is 17 hours and includes background information and teaching strategies for tutoring, Adult Basic Education (ABE), English as a Second Language (ESL) and math. Workshops are offered on multiple dates and locations. Pre-registration is required. Call Mandi Houston at 503-244-6111 Extension 3700 or e-mail pdxliteracy@hotmail.com to register. There is a $20 fee for the workshop.