Become a Volunteer
Volunteer experience
“It’s been a great journey and I know the journey is not over yet. I still have a long way to go and I’m willing to embrace it, to endure, to finish it. ”
Literacy tutors
Literacy tutors assist adult students with literacy skills in classrooms and one-to-one with students.
Tutor Lite
Tutors assist with specialty programming such as Tutor Time, Computer Lab, READ Out Loud Book Clubs, tabling at events, and administrative support
Become a Literacy Tutor
Who?
18 years plus, high school diploma or equivalency, no teaching experience required
What?
Work in our teacher-led classrooms or one-to-one with an adult learner; supporting instruction in reading, writing, spelling, basic math, and digital skills to adults
Where?
In our office classrooms or one-to-one in public settings including our partner locations
When?
Days and times vary, 2 hours of tutoring once per week with a 1 year commitment preferred
How?
Complete the training process and a background check
Training process
Submit – Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutor application form. Once received, you will be provided links to these next steps:
Sign up for and attend Orientation – a 1.5-hour live online session where you’ll learn more about READ RVA and our adult students.
Complete – 1 self-paced online module from ProLiteracy
Observe – 1 of our classes in action
Attend Training – a 3-hour in person training session
Please see our FAQs below for more details
Become a Tutor Lite Tutor
Who?
18 years plus, high school diploma or equivalency, no teaching experience required
What?
Participate in a variety of specialty program options. See the FAQ section for more details.
Where?
Various locations throughout metro Richmond
When?
Various days and times
How?
Complete an abbreviated training process and a background check
Training process
Submit – Tutor Lite Application Form. Once received, you will be provided links to these next steps:
Sign up for and attend Orientation – a 1.5-hour live online session where you’ll learn more about READ RVA and our adult students.
Complete – one ProLiteracy module
Observe – a specialty program and meet with the Program Manager
Please see our FAQs below for more details
“I feel privileged to be able to help my friends grow their literacy skills so they can more easily interact with the world around them.”
FAQs:
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Q: Who makes a good volunteer for adult learners?
A: Someone with these characteristics:
Dependable, patient, and flexible
Able to encourage and support adult learners by helping them develop confidence about learning
Be aware of cultural differences and respectful of learners as adult peers
General comfort using a laptop and internet preferred
Must have and use email for office communication
Q: Who can I ask for help?
A: Us! We are here to help you. You can call the office (804-288-9930) to speak with a program team member. If you’re a classroom tutor, we also encourage you to reach out to your teacher.
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Q: Do I need experience?
A: No prior teaching experience is needed to become a tutor. Volunteers complete a tutor training program consisting of an online modules, one online orientation session, one classroom observation, and one in-person training session. This process will help you learn about working with adult students and literacy strategies. Additional tutor training opportunities will be available throughout the year.
Q: What is the time commitment?
A: We ask that literacy tutors commit to two hours a week for one year.
Q: How flexible are the scheduled times?
A: Classroom tutors follow the established class schedule. Classes are offered during the day and in the evening. One to one tutoring can be scheduled for any day or time (day or evening) that works for both you and the student. However, it is helpful when the schedule is consistent from week to week.
Q: What if I have a scheduling conflict?
A: We understand that both tutors and students have scheduling conflicts sometimes. We ask that one to one tutors notify their student in advance and, if possible, make up the session another time. Classroom tutors notify the teacher they support as far in advance as possible.
Q: How am I assigned as a volunteer tutor?
A: Tutors notify READ RVA about their preference regarding placement as a one to one or classroom tutor. Classroom tutors are assigned based on classroom need and tutor availability. One to one tutors are assigned based on individual student goals, reading level, and availability. We discuss this information with you and also arrange for you to meet with the student in advance of the first tutoring session.
Q: What will I be working on with the students?
A: One of the most important attributes of successful adult learning is relevance. Because of this our students often work towards goals that are directly applicable to their lives. That might be learning vocabulary related to their health or how to complete a job application. READ RVA works with students on reading, math, financial, and digital skills. Additionally, classroom tutors will be trained by the teacher to utilize the Wilson Learning System curriculum.
Q: What if I’ve never written a lesson before?
A: That’s okay! Classroom tutors work off a lesson provided by the classroom teacher. For one to one tutors, there are countless resources available - including existing lessons you can tailor to your student’s individual learning style and goals. In fact, we have gathered many of the resources for you in the Tutor Space Google Classroom.
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