Become a Tutor

Volunteer tutors offer hope and opportunity by working one-on-one with an adult learner on a weekly basis. Tutors may teach English as a Second Language, basic reading, math, or writing, or help the student practice for the U.S. citizenship exam. You can have a direct impact on the life of one of the nearly 100 students on our waiting list by becoming a tutor today!

Who can tutor?
Anyone who

  • Is 18 years of age or older
  • Has a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Speaks English
  • Is willing to share their time to help someone learn!

I don’t have teaching experience or speak a foreign language. Will I still be able to tutor?
Yes! We will provide the curriculum and teach you how to teach. The curriculum provides plenty of pictures to help you communicate, and we also have many foreign language dictionaries available. Members of our Education staff can speak Spanish, French, Swahili, Kirundi, and Kinyarwanda and are always available to help as well!

When can I tutor?
Come at a time that works for your schedule! We are open 53 hours per week:

  • Mondays & Wednesdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Fridays 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Saturdays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

What is the commitment?
We ask that you commit to tutoring at least one hour per week for ten weeks, though many tutors volunteer multiple hours per week. In fact, tutoring is so rewarding that the average tutors volunteers 2.5 years!

How do I get started?

  1. Sign up for a tutor orientation. Tutor orientations last two hours and are offered twice monthly.
  2. You will be matched with a student who is available at the same time as you. The more flexible your schedule, the sooner you can get started.
  3. Staff will model the first lesson with your student so you can observe a session before teaching on your own.
  4. Have fun and make connections as you BOTH learn!

Ready to tutor? Sign up for an orientation online or call us at 319-731-0444.