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Volunteering at the Centers for Reading and Writing

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Volunteer tutors are important members of the learning community at each of our Centers. Tutors lead small groups of adults in learning basic reading and writing skills. Students and tutors read and write together twice a week for four hours each week. Centers have convenient morning, afternoon, evening, and Saturday sessions. Schedules vary depending on the location.

Previous teaching experience is not necessary - time and a desire to share the pleasure of reading and writing are. Tutor candidates receive training prior to being matched to a group. Training workshops on a variety of topics are provided throughout the year. We encourage volunteers and students to grow and learn together. 

To learn more about our tutors and the work they do, please visit our online magazine: TUTOR HUB (www.crwtutorhub.org).

 

The program runs in four 10-week cycles throughout the year. Each cycle has about 20 two-hour sessions. We ask that volunteer tutors be available to tutor for at least six months (two cycles) after completing training.

If you are interested in volunteering, or for more information, please call the Center where you want to volunteer. 

FAQs

What qualifications do I need to become a tutor?

To be a volunteer, you need to enjoy working with people, demonstrate proficiency in reading and writing, and have a genuine enthusiasm for learning. You do not need to have a college degree.

Do I need previous tutoring experience to become a tutor?

No. The Centers' professional staff provides initial training and ongoing professional guidance to assist you in teaching adults to learn to read and write. Tutor candidates are required to complete interview steps and initial training of about 20 hours.

What kind of commitment do I have to make?

The program runs in four 10-week cycles throughout the year. We ask for a time commitment of at least six months (two cycles). Tutoring takes place at the Center two times per week. Each session is two hours long. This means that you must be able to tutor twice a week for a total of four hours.

Who attends the program?

The students who come to the Centers are adults over 16, who are out of school and would like to improve their reading and writing. Most of our students are in the beginning stages of their reading and writing development. They often live in the community and find the library a comfortable place to return to school.

How do students find out about the program?

Students learn about the Centers in the following ways: referrals by friends; flyers posted in the libraries and throughout the community; centralized literacy referral networks; referrals from social service agencies and other educational programs; and public service announcements on radio and television.

How long do students remain in the program?

There is no time limit to how long a student can stay in the program. Students are required to demonstrate commitment to the tutoring program by maintaining excellent attendance and enthusiasm for learning. When a student has reached a sixth-grade level of proficiency in reading and writing, site staff and volunteer tutors work together with the student to help him or her decide upon the next steps in their education. Often students enter pre-GED or GED programs after leaving the Centers.

 

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