How to Become a 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.
Register for a training workshop.
Complete the 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 go to Portland Literacy Council’s site for more information. Click on “Tutors” to find the training workshop schedule and how to register for the workshop.
What is the commitment?
- Complete the 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?
Literacy tutors are volunteers. Literacy tutors 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), Adult Basic Education (ABE) students or high school equivalency 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 their 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 12 hours and includes background information and teaching strategies for tutoring, Adult Basic Education (ABE), English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and high school equivalency preparation. Workshops are offered on multiple dates and locations. Pre-registration is required. Go to Portland Literacy Council’s site for more information. Click on “Tutors” to find the training workshop schedule and how to register for the workshop.
Sponsored by:
- Portland Community College
- Portland Literacy Council