Be A Tutor

Before beginning the journey of becoming a tutor, you need to understand our students and how we help them. At Literacy Nipissing, our tutors meet with a learner in our office once a week for a two-hour session. Before the session, tutors are responsible for planning and preparing for the lesson. During the lesson, tutors will guide their learner through English work, mathematics, computer, GED preparation, or a variety of subjects.

Please note that we require all volunteers, tutors, staff and board members to submit a police record check or suitable references for our files.

Who Do We Teach

Our literacy learners are all different. We can find a learner that suits your skills and strengths. Some learners come in to upgrade their computer skills, while others are starting to read or working towards high school equivalency. We’ll use your skills – such as essay writing, budgeting math or computer skills – to our advantage and find a student needing those skills. Some students will complete both math and English skills, while others may just need one.

One-on-One

Most of our tutors work one-on-one with a single student. This option is often best as you can focus your attention on your learner’s needs. You do not have to be a trained teacher. You simply need to be patient, sympathetic and ready to help someone improve their skills. Once you get more comfortable with your learner, you will know a lot about how they learn and how you can help. You’re also not alone! The staff, tutor training team, and even other tutors are all here to help you through this adventure.

Small Group

Some tutors are more comfortable with a small group. If you’re interested in tutoring a couple of students who are looking for similar skills, or a small group in a specific area (computers, for example), let us know. We also have workshops from time to time on topics such as budgeting, communication skills, and stress management. Let us know if you would be interested in working with a small group, as there is always room for these opportunities as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the time commitment?

The initial fifteen-hour workshop is required prior to becoming a tutor. We ask for a minimum two hours with a learner per week or more if you are able. It really is up to you and what you want to offer. There may be some preparation time needed, but every tutor varies in the amount of time needed to prepare. Not all tutoring sessions have to occur during the day. Evening sessions are created for tutors and learners who are not available during the day.

All tutoring sessions are held at the office at 204 Main Street East, Suite 100.

How do you train me?

To become a certified Laubach tutor, you need to have attended and successfully completed our tutor-training workshop, usually held over one evening and weekend. They run throughout the year, so please call the office to find out when the next session will be.There is a registration fee for the workshop, which covers everything you need to be a tutor (training, materials, handbook, membership with Literacy Nipissing) and refreshments for the two days. The program is full, fun, and includes the following topics:

Problems of low literacy
How to sensitize to the adult non-reader
Techniques and materials used to facilitate reading, writing and math
Lesson planning and learning plan templates
Other methods and materials
Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the workshop, you will receive your Laubach Literacy Tutor certificate, accepted anywhere Laubach Councils exist. If you have already attained your certificate you may attend again, all or part of the weekend to “brush up” your skills.

How do I get a student to tutor?

Once you are trained, the Program Coordinator will match you with a learner. The PC is there to offer support and encouragement as to what you will tutor and how you will present the material. The learner you are matched with will hopefully have things in common with you so that a learning relationship can be easily started. Tutors will not be matched with a student with whom they would feel uncomfortable.

What support is there for tutors?

Your primary contact is with our Program Coordinator (PC). Our PC can be contacted Mon-Fri, 8:30am to 4:30pm at our office. After your initial workshop there is also continual support for further tutor development. We also make sure you are never alone in the tutoring experience. You will have access to:

Staff support through e-mail, phone, or in person by appointment
An always expanding library of resources
Computers and a photocopier to plan and/or teach lessons
A newsletter for our tutors and members
Annual events to meet other tutors and learners, such as our Family Literacy Day Skate, Scrabble at the Mall, our Volunteer Appreciation Tea, our Student and Tutor Banquet, and our Jingle Mingle Open House