Tutoring FAQs

"LVT is a really cool place to be. Sometimes I can't believe all of the tutors do this for free. Then I think, you can’t pay for something like this. It would be an insult to offer them payment. What they give is priceless!" ~LVT student

What qualifications do I need to be a tutor?

Tutors must:

• Be dependable, patient, friendly, and optimistic
• Be a high school graduate, sensitive to the issues of literacy, the adult learner, and other cultures.
• Be respectful of confidentiality, interested in others, and able to communicate with compassion. A sense of humor and enthusiasm are very helpful.
• Attend a Volunteer Orientation. Click here for a schedule.
• Complete a 12 to 16 hour LVT Tutor Training Workshop. This is spread over several days.
• Commit to participating in 6 – 8 hours of ongoing Tutor Education each year that you tutor for LVT.

English Language Acquisition for Adults tutors need not speak another language to teach.

What if I attend the orientation and realize tutoring is not for me or is too big a commitment, but I am passionate about literacy?

Literacy Connects has many other opportunities for volunteer service. You can help by making a donation, or click here for other volunteer opportunities.

What is the time commitment involved in tutoring?

Basic Literacy tutors are encouraged to meet with their adult learner(s) twice a week for 1 to 1 ½ hours, but flexibility is key. Other possible assignments/commitments in the Basic Literacy program include working in the tutoring center (once/week for approx. 3 hrs) or co-teaching a class in reading, writing, or math. These classes meet twice a week for 1 ½ or 2 hours.

ELAA tutors teach scheduled classes that last 1 1/2 to 2 hours twice weekly.

Preparation time of about one hour for every two hours of instruction is usually adequate. It turns out to be about a 5 to 7 hour per week commitment.

Are there any fees involved in becoming a tutor?

Yes, there is a $50 fee requested for the tutor training. This covers only a small portion of what it costs us to train you. Training scholarships are available upon request.  At no additional cost, we have many resources in the library for you to utilize in teaching your student. These materials may be checked out with your valid Pima County Library Card or you may use the copiers in the office for your tutoring materials to use with your student.

What are the Tutor Duties?

• Meet regularly and punctually
• Coordinate lesson planning if team tutoring
• Prepare each lesson to meet learner’s goals and needs
• Identify the learner’s special interests and integrate related material into lessons
• Assess progress after specified intervals and at the end of the teaching year