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Tutor FAQ's

How do I become a volunteer tutor?

Step 1 - Ask for a Volunteer Information Package

Email us at info@hamiltonreads.ca or call 905-529-9907, ext. 221 and leave us the following information: your name, address, phone number, and how you heard about the Council. We will mail an information package to you. 

This package includes our brochure, a volunteer tutor position description, an application form, a business reply envelope and orientation and workshop information.

If you'd like the package emailed to you, leave your email address as well. In this case, the information package will not include a business reply envelope or a brochure.


Step 2 - Book and Attend an Orientation Session

You will:
     1. learn more about the Literacy Council
     2. hear volunteer responsibilities and rights
     3. complete a written skills assessment
     4. discover if this is the right volunteer opportunity for you

Spring: (2 dates available)
Monday, February 27th, 2012
12:00 - 1:00 or 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

OR

Monday, March 26th, 2012
12:00 - 1:00 or 5:30 - 6:30 pm.

Step 3 - Attend the Basic Training Workshop

After orientation, you will attend a 12-hour training workshop and submit your Volunteer Tutor Application along with your $15.00 membership. (The annual membership fee entitles you to our Newsletter, upgrading workshops, tutoring resources, and voting privileges at our Annual General Meeting.) You are required to attend both sessions of the Training Workshop to become a certified literacy tutor.

Spring: (2 sessions available)
Friday, March 23 & Friday March 30th
Time: 9:00 - 3:45 (must attend both Fridays)

OR

Saturday, April 21st & Saturday April 28th
Time 9:00 - 3:45 (must attend both Saturdays)

Step 4 - Complete Your Training

After approximately 40 hours of tutoring, a morning workshop will cover goal-setting and using the Student Portfolio. It will also provide an opportunity for you to discuss questions that may have come up during the tutoring process. This session will be scheduled approximately three months after initial training.

What is the time commitment?

We ask for approximately 4 hours per week for one year.

What qualifications do I need to become a tutor?

A tutor needs excellent communications skills (particularly speaking and writing), patience, and empathy. A complete position description is included in the Volunteer Tutor information package. A written skills assessment is completed at Orientation.

Will I be matched with a student as soon as I finish the training workshop?

If we have a student who is a good fit for you, you will be matched shortly after training is completed.

What if my student or I want to go on vacation?

Because you set your own schedule, you can easily book off a two-week vacation. Please inform the Program Manager if you will be away for a much longer period of time.

Where does the tutoring take place?

We have two tutoring rooms available at our office location and they may be booked for two-hour blocks of time. Many pairs meet at their local library if they are comfortable meeting in a public place.

More questions? Email us at info@hamiltonreads.ca or call 905-529-9907.