Becoming a volunteer tutor is a rewarding experience.

There are four easy steps to becoming a tutor:

1. Complete an Application. Call, email, or stop by our office for an application, or click here to request one.
2. Sign-up for a volunteer orientation session and for a tutor training workshop. Click here to see the training schedule.
3. Attend the one-hour orientation.
4. Attend the 14-hour tutor training workshop and receive your tutor certification.
Then . . . start making a difference in someone's life.
Questions and Answers about becoming a literacy tutor

Q: When does the Literacy Coalition hold new tutor trainings?
A. The Fox Valley Literacy Coalition conducts tutor-training sessions throughout the year. Orientation and training schedules are posted on our website. Simply contact us to let us know that you are interested in receiving more information.

Q. How long does it take to go through tutor training?
A. The 14-hour training is typically held during a two-week period. Sessions are held on four evenings and each session is about three hours long.
 
Q. What can I expect from tutor training and what kind of preparation do I receive?
A. Completing tutor training provides volunteers with the information and skills necessary to tutor either Basic Education or English Language Learning students. Training covers many of the issues associated with teaching adults as well as cultural issues that may arise when working with someone from another country. Tutors learn how to develop a lesson plan and gain familiarity with many of the learning materials available through the Literacy Coalition. Tutor training includes presentations, video segments, group discussions, and hands-on practice of tutoring techniques using a variety of training materials. The training program is designed to give volunteers a strong foundation in tutoring, but Literacy Coalition staff are always available to provide ongoing support.
 
Q. Do I receive any kind of certification after completing the tutor training?
A. Tutors who complete the full training receive certification that is recognized by ProLiteracy, an international advocacy and membership organization. Because the Fox Valley Literacy Coalition is a member of ProLiteracy, our tutors are receive valuable information from them as well.

Q. Do I get to choose the student I want to tutor? 
A. After your training, we do ask your preferences for the type of student you want to tutor, however, we may not always be able to match you with exactly the type of student you request. We want to provide you the most rewarding volunteer experience possible but we must also get our students learning as quickly as possible. Being flexible means that you will get matched -- and you will get started -- much faster. We will match you with the student that needs you the most! 

Q. What if I have no previous tutor experience and do not have an education background?
A. Tutors do not need prior teaching experience and they do not need to know a foreign language.
You DO need:
-- A commitment to your volunteer activity,
-- A cooperative attitude,
-- Initial training and occasional in-service training,
-- Flexibility,
-- Regular attendance,
-- A commitment to doing a reasonable amount of record-keeping, and
-- A genuine interest in helping your adult student

Q. What if I am not ready to tutor now but would like to support the Literacy Coalition's work in some other way?
A. To find out about other ways to support literacy efforts right here in the Fox Valley, click here.

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Fox Valley Literacy Coalition 103 E. Washington StreetAppleton, WI 54911
920-991-9840 Telephone920-991-1012 Fax

We rely on volunteers to accomplish our mission. Volunteers help as:
  • Tutors
  • Fund raisers
  • Writers
  • Committee members
  • Board members
  • Front desk help
  • Other administrative help.