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.
Digital skills tutors
Digital skills tutors assist reading students with digital homework in computer lab
Assessment administrators
Assessment administrators assist with administering adult literacy assessments
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. Teaching reading, writing, spelling, basic math and digital skills to adults who read below an 8th grade equivalency.
Where?
In our office classrooms or one-to-one in public settings
When?
Days and times vary, 2 hours of tutoring once per week* with a 1 year commitment preferred
*Unable to commit weekly? Schedule time HERE to learn more about “Tutor Lite”!
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 Digital Skills Tutor
Who?
18 years plus, high school diploma or equivalency, no teaching experience required
What?
Assist drop-in students with their digital homework
Where?
In our office
When?
Friday mornings
How?
Complete the training process and a background check
Training process
Submit – Digital Skills Tutor Application Form. Once received, you will be provided links to these next steps:
Complete – one ProLiteracy module
Observe – a computer lab session 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.”
Become an Assessment Administrator
Who?
18 years plus, high school diploma or equivalency, no teaching experience required
What?
Each of our new and existing students are periodically administered standardized tests. Our assessment administrators act as proctors for these tests.
Where?
In our office
When?
Days and hours vary
How?
Complete the training process and a background check
Training process
Submit – Assessment Application Form.
Once received, you will be provided links to these next steps:
Complete – the CASAS Paper Test Proctor Certification
Complete – one ProLiteracy module
Observe – an assessment session
Please see our FAQs below for more details
“If I can do even a small part in helping the students have a more positive experience in healthcare through improved literacy, I will feel a great sense of accomplishment.”
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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Q: Who makes a good Digital Skills Tutor?
A: You should be comfortable with laptops, chromebooks, and different types of phones to assist current READ RVA students with logging in to a device and navigating to the homework they will be working on. You would not be teaching someone to use a device they are not familiar with. All training & staff support will be provided prior to and throughout your volunteer experience.
Q: What will I be working on with the students in the computer lab?
A: The computer lab is open for any READ RVA student to drop in if they would like to use the chromebooks in our office for doing their homework, practice typing, or use IXL (an online reading homework program). There is no curriculum to be taught in the computer lab. Students may need help navigating to their homework, or accessing the office internet.
Q: How will I be assigned?
A: A Google sheet is sent to all Digital Skills tutors for them to sign up for the Fridays that work for them. We try to have 2 tutors in the computer lab each Friday.
Q: What is the time commitment?
A: This varies with how many Fridays you are available. The Computer Lab runs throughout our full academic year, September through July, and we have some Friday office closings noted.
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Q: Who makes a good Assessment Administrator?
A: You should be able to help adults feel comfortable with the assessment process, be comfortable following testing protocol, and work in a timed environment.
Q: How will I be assigned?
A: A Google sheet is sent to all Assessment Administrators for you to sign up for an assessment date. We try to have 2 volunteers for each assessment period.
Q: What is the time commitment?
A: Assessments take 2 hours. We schedule students to arrive early to review their Intake information prior to starting the assessment process. Assessments can be during the day or in the evening. Assessments are conducted throughout the academic year on different days and are based on student recruitment needs.