Volunteer

The Role of a Volunteer Tutor

A Volunteer Tutor may decide to be trained in the teaching of Basic Literacy, English as a Second Language and/or U.S Citizenship. 

Basic Literacy (BL): teaches reading and writing to adults who speak and understand English.

English as a Second Language (ESL): teaches conversational English, survival competencies, reading and writing to non-English speaking adults. (Please note: Tutors do not need to be proficient in a foreign language to teach ESL classes.)

U.S. Citizenship: prepares adults to pass the test and interview.

A Tutor may also facilitate learning groups such as Reading Clubs or Conversation Groups.  Please contact Executive Director, Debra DeSantis for more information at 203-754-1164 or email ddesantis@waterburyct.org.                  

The Requirements & Responsibilities of a Volunteer Tutor

LVGW believes in a student-centered, collaborative process focusing on language experience and real-life needs.
No prior teaching experience is necessary.

 

Tutors must:

-Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent.

-Complete the Tutor Training Series to become certified.

-Be able to speak and understand English well enough to communicate clearly.

-Demonstrate proficiency in reading and writing English.

-Commit to one year of service which consists of a minimum of 1½ – 2 hours each week, plus lesson preparation time.

-Submit monthly reports to the LVGW office to monitor tutoring hours and each student’s goals – Please see the RESOURCE Page for Tutor Report links.

-Attend at least one continuing education workshop each year. These workshops provide tips and techniques to enhance teaching skills.

-Demonstrate appropriate behavior.

 

The Rewards:

-Improve our community by raising literacy levels.

-Learn about other countries and cultures.

-Experience the joy of helping another person achieve personal and/or professional success.

 

How it works:

-You will attend two training workshops which are currently being offered monthly via Zoom.

-Following the training you will be provided tutor resources including: A set of Flash Cards, An Oxford Picture Dictionary, LitStart – Strategies for Adult Literacy and ESL Tutors, and Tutor 8^th Edition.

-You will then be matched with a student or small group of students

-We ask that you tutor the same student(s) 1.5 – 2 hours per week either at a mutually agreed upon location in the community or virtually.

-Each month you will submit a monthly attendance report and your student(s) will be post-tested after 40 hours of instruction.

 

To learn more about becoming a LVGW Tutor…
Contact Executive Director, Debra DeSantis at ddesantis@waterburyct.org or call our office at 203-754-1164.