• Must be literate (no teaching experience is required) 

• Do not need familiarity with a foreign language

• Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate

• Complete a training workshop (time commitment dependent on the program)

• Agree to a three-12 month commitment (dependent on the program)

• May need to complete a background check (dependent on the program)

• Be able to commit to two-four hours most weeks (dependent on the program)

Services are available to adults ages 16 or older who are not currently enrolled in high school and want to improve their reading, writing, math, and other basic skills. 

Tutors typically meet with their class or student for two to three hours per week, depending on the student's goals and availability of both student and tutor. 

The time will vary according to the student's goals, needs, and motivation. Some tutors work with a student for several months, while others may work with their student much longer. Many programs ask tutors to work with students for at least six months, or until their goals are met.

All students are assessed prior to being paired with a tutor and then they are reassessed again after a year or after about 40 hours of instruction. Staff will contact you when it's time for a reassessment. These test results are essential to give the student and tutor a measurement of their progress and success. The staff will also contact you periodically to talk with you about updates, whether you need assistance, offer continuing education, and hear about your student's progress and successes.

Adult literacy programs are learner-centered, as every student has specific literacy goals, skill levels, and background experience. As such, tutors and students create their own study plans, although programs have many materials available for tutors to use. Some examples of goals include the desire to:

• Prepare to join a GED program 

• Get a promotion

• Start a new career

• Read to their kids

• Talk with people in the community

• Prepare for college-level courses

• Talk to their kids’ teachers and doctors

• Build confidence

You're interested in being a tutor. That's great! Tutors are the heart of adult literacy, and every program in the state is in need of tutors. Contact the program where you live for more information on getting started, and thank you!