Become a Volunteer Tutor
We are not currently offering an in-person volunteer opportunity, but you can definitely volunteer virtually! The fact that 10,500 adults in Chelan and Douglas counties cannot speak English well has not changed, and we are still here to provide much-needed instruction in English as a Second Language. To respond, we have entered into a long experiment of tutoring online. This is helping us serve our target population and also develop our program's capacity to offer this mode of tutoring in the future. So far, attendance has been good with online classes and it has even eased some common barriers such as childcare and transportation.
To join our efforts and volunteer, the next steps are to contact us through our online form or call (509) 662-6156 x266 to let us know of your interest and get any questions answered, and then fill out a volunteer application if it seems like a good fit.
We are not currently offering an in-person volunteer opportunity, but you can definitely volunteer virtually! The fact that 10,500 adults in Chelan and Douglas counties cannot speak English well has not changed, and we are still here to provide much-needed instruction in English as a Second Language. To respond, we have entered into a long experiment of tutoring online. This is helping us serve our target population and also develop our program's capacity to offer this mode of tutoring in the future. So far, attendance has been good with online classes and it has even eased some common barriers such as childcare and transportation.
To join our efforts and volunteer, the next steps are to contact us through our online form or call (509) 662-6156 x266 to let us know of your interest and get any questions answered, and then fill out a volunteer application if it seems like a good fit.
What to Expect as a Volunteer Tutor
- Classes contain between 1 and 6 adult students, all at the same level.
- Tutors and students meet a minimum of two times per week, 1.5 hours each time, for a total of 3 hours per week. Students and tutors hold class together for a minimum of 40 hours, or about four months.
- Tutors can choose whatever platform works well for them to tutor online. Current volunteers are using Zoom and WhatsApp.
- Tutors do not need to speak another language and do not need teaching experience. For the most part, the basis for success is the relationship that develops between tutor and student(s).
- The majority of students are Spanish-speaking.
- Adult Basic Literacy students speak English but need help with their reading and writing.
- We do not use a required curriculum. We have one available and encourage you to use it if you are new to teaching, but you are free to design your classes as you wish.
- We are available to help you get started with lesson planning and finding activities.
- What our volunteers have to say:
“I am gaining friendship and a meaningful task for myself.” - Karlyn
“Their enthusiasm is inspiring. I come home from every session energized and wishing it wasn’t over so quickly!” - Patsy
Volunteer Requirements
- Apply to volunteer
- Submit two references
- Pass a state patrol check
- Attend an 8-hour tutor training: 4+ hours of study on your own, and then a 4-hour live training online with fellow tutors
- Track your volunteer hours and students' time in class on a monthly timesheet, due the 5th of each month.