ESOL or basic literacy tutor

Literacy Volunteers of the Montachusett Area

Literacy Volunteers of the Montachusett Area (LVMont) is about bringing people together to make a real difference in our communities. LVMont promotes literacy in the Montachusett area by providing free, confidential and individualized tutoring to adults in basic literacy, and English to speakers of other languages. With improved literacy skills and the confidence that comes with them, adults are able to pursue a better life and future for themselves, their families and communities.

Role Description

This is a part time volunteer role for any adult that is interested in working with adult learners. The tutor will be responsible for providing personalized tutoring sessions to adults learning English, creating lesson plans, tracking progress, and offering support and encouragement.

Location:

Any town or city in the Montachusett Area including: : Acton, Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Baldwinville, Barre, Berlin, Bolton, Boxboro, Clinton, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Princeton, Shirley, South Lancaster, Sterling, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon. 

There are also ONLINE opportunities. Some of our students have long workdays or odd shifts and prefer online tutoring.

Responsibilities:

1. Satisfactorily complete the tutor training workshop.

2. Prepare individualized lessons for the student.

3. Tutor student for 2 hours per week for a minimum of 6-12 months.

4. Notify the program coordinator if problems arise or if you or your student has a change in status, address or telephone number.

5. Encourage student to attend adult basic education classes when and if the student is able to cope with a classroom situation.

6. Share with your student information about upcoming LVMont events and activities, and encourage student's participation.

7. Complete necessary reporting forms in a timely way and participate in program evaluations. 8. Participate in at least one professional development activity provided by the program or another qualified entity each year.

9. Consult with the program coordinator for assistance whenever needed.

Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. Successful completion of tutor training.

3. Ability to work with diverse groups.

4. Sensitivity to the struggles of adult learners.

5. Ability to create flexible, responsive, non-judgmental and nonthreatening learning experience for student.

Commitment

1. Attend 18-hour tutor training workshop in either Basic Literacy or ESOL.

2. Tutor for 2 hours per week for 6-12 months.

3. Complete timely tutor reporting forms required for funders.

4. Attend at least one professional development activity provided by the program or another qualified entity during the year.

5. Sign the volunteer agreement.

Free Training Provided

1. Orientation (2 hours)

2. Tutor training workshop (18 hours)

3. Professional development sessions (non-mndatory) offered throughout the year

Professional development opportunities:

1. frequent online workshops / webinars offered through our network
2. 3 in person PD workshops offered by LVMont
3. Opportunity to become a conversation circle facilitator
4. Opportunity to become a student assessor (training provided)
5. Opportunity to offer tutor OR student workshops based on your speciality / knowledge
6. Opportunity to create content for our newsletter and social media.

Supervision: Program coordinator and other LVM professional staff

Comments:

1. LVM staff is available at any time for guidance, assistance with lesson planning, identification of appropriate materials or information on community resources for making student referrals. 
2. You will receive a monthly email with PD opportunities and teaching materials.
3. We have an annual volunteer and student appreciation event for which you and your family are invited.
4. We have occasional tutor circles where you can meet other volunteers to share experiences, concerns, achievements, support and tips.