TUTORING

Become a tutor

Are you passionate about education and making a positive impact in your community? The Kalamazoo Literacy Council is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team! As a tutor, you’ll have the opportunity to empower individuals by helping them improve their literacy skills.

No prior teaching experience is required – we provide training that equips you with the necessary tools and techniques to support adult learners. Our programs include reading, writing, health, parenting, JOBS, and English language learning. By sharing your knowledge and providing one-on-one support, you can help individuals gain confidence and achieve their goals.

You’ll also be part of a vibrant and supportive community of volunteers and learners. The KLC offers ongoing resources, workshops, and networking opportunities to ensure that our volunteers thrive in their roles.

We invite you to join us in our mission to promote literacy and lifelong learning in Kalamazoo. 

We offer tutor training five times a year (January, March, May, September, November). Please review the available positions, then sign up for training using the form below. If you have questions, please feel free to email Abbey or call (269) 382-0490 ext. 219. 

Related: See photos & stories of volunteer service and adult learner excellence

Two needed:

Work in a virtual classroom setting assisting the instructor with beginner level yet highly motivated English language learners. Choose to volunteer in either the morning or evening class. 

Tuesday/Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Key responsibilities:
– Work individually or in small groups with students in breakout rooms
– Assist teacher in demonstrating concepts and language
– Maintain virtual presence for classroom if there are internet issues 

Our training focuses on the Laubach Way to Reading and the Challenger series. You may be matched with a native English speaker or an English language learner and can choose to meet at a a variety of locations. Requirements: 

  • Weekly sessions, 1-2 hours 
  • Complete a monthly report 

 

Four needed:

Work with a learner to enhance their English reading, writing, spelling, and speaking skills. Tutors will be given materials to assist learners in achieving their goals. Requirements: 

  • Weekly sessions, 1-2 hours 
  • Complete a monthly report 
  • Encouraged to attend monthly ESL Forums

The KLC needs trained reading tutors who are interested in helping students learn at our Community Literacy Centers. Tutors work with a range of students from Laubach to Challenger on a weekly basis. These students are often times waiting for their permanent tutor or are students who want more instruction time.

Two needed:

Help adult learners enhance their basic computer skills (turning on a computer, using a mouse, keyboarding, etc). Curriculum is provided, no experience necessary. 

Class: Wednesdays, in person, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Requirements:

  • Weekly sessions
  • Record attendance and complete a monthly report 
  • Encouraged to attend monthly Workforce Literacy Forums

Two needed:

Help learners on a path to a GED and/or enrolling at a community college or university. Work in PLATO Courseware as well as various supplemental materials based on need and answer PLATO and pre-GED questions. 

  • Weekly sessions, 1-2 hrs
  • Trained in Laubach and Challenger 
  • Trained in PLATO software (2 hrs) 
  • Record attendance and complete monthly report  
  • Encouraged to attend monthly Workforce Literacy Forums

Two needed:

Work with learners who are seeking employment; tasks include completing resumes, cover letters, online job searching, and building the confidence to become employed. Requirements: 

  • Observe one JOBS session (training)
  • Assist with one JOBS session (training)
  • Record attendance and complete monthly report
  • Encouraged to attend monthly Workforce Literacy Forums

Two needed: 

Assist learners with weekly activities and lessons in our “Parent Literacy Together” class, which helps parents become more confident “first teachers” of their children. Classes are Wednesdays in-person from 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Requirements: 

  • Encouraged to complete training as a “Trusted Messenger” by Talking is Teaching 
  • Attend weekly classes 
  • Record attendance and complete monthly report
  • Encouraged to attend monthly Parent Literacy Forums

Two needed: 

Work with English language learners in a weekly class to practice conversational English, share experiences, and build confidence. This lively class is perfect for someone with a few hours to spare to help adult learners reach their language goals. We provide training, curriculum, and ongoing support. 

Class time will be based on volunteer availability. 

Requirements

To become a tutor, please meet the following criteria:

  • Be able to read and write
  • Feel comfortable communicating with adult learners
  • Participate in 14 hours of training 
  • Commit to a minimum of one year of service
  • Meet with learner in person or online at least once a week at a time convenient for both of you 
  • Provide monthly updates on learner’s progress

Training

We offer hybrid training, so you can choose to participte in person or online. Use the form below to choose one that best fits your schedule. See available dates and times.

Register for tutor training

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