Volunteer Tutor Information and Application

Volunteer Tutor Information and Application

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Write to Read Program.  We are looking for volunteer tutors with these qualifications:

• At least 18 years old
• No degrees or diplomas needed
• Comfortable with reading and writing in English
• Patient, empathetic, and willing to learn
• Able to commit to one six months of service

 There are several different volunteer opportunities available in our program. Please see the attached document which describes these. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please fill out both sides of the application form and send it back to us.  Please feel free to call us for more information. (510) 745-1480 Volunteer Application Form

Thank you.

Luis Kong, Ed.D.

Director

  

Overview of the Write to Read Program 

Program Mission:

By creating a supportive and vibrant adult learning community, we provide a safe environment for reading and writing practice where individuals take risks and grow towards leadership to make positive changes in their lives and communities. 

There are 2 branches to the Write to Read Program:            

Basic Literacy students are adults with no more than a high school education, who speak English fluently, and who want to improve their reading and writing. Basic students come from both the U.S. and other countries, and usually enter the program reading at about a 4^th grade level. Most students are enrolled in small groups led by professional literacy instructors, but some students come to us with short term goals which they would like to achieve with the help of an individual tutor.             

High Level students are second-language learners. Most have been college educated in their home country, and are no longer beginning English learners, but want to work on their reading and communication skills in order to more fully participate in American life. These students are invited to join student reading clubs that emphasize lively discussion. In addition, these students may also have short term goals which they would like to achieve with the help of an individual tutor. 

We are looking for volunteers to:  Offer individual tutoring to help students (either basic or high level) with short term goals. Tutors may be matched with a student according to the tutor’s skills, interests and availability.                         (7 hours training needed)  Facilitate High Level (second language)  student reading clubs held at the library to work on reading comprehension and discussion                         (9 hours training needed)  If you are interested in either of these volunteer opportunities, please read the detailed description of volunteer duties and training attached, and send back to us the two-sided volunteer application form. Additional volunteer tutor seminars will be available. Please feel free to call us for more information as well. 745-1480   In addition, experienced volunteers can:            *Work individually with students who have special needs in reading and writing *Become volunteer assessment specialists *Assist in tutor training seminars *Provide instruction and mentoring to other volunteers *Coordinate literacy events and publicity *Be an invaluable community liaison for our program *Assist staff with office duties

Facilitating High Level (Second Language) Student Reading Clubs

Commitment:

We ask Volunteers to commit to at least 6 months of volunteering, 2 hours once a week to facilitate a Reading and Discussion group. 

Program description: Student Reading Clubs meet once a week to discuss a book together. The tutor chooses a book with help from program staff. The tutor can decide exactly how to structure the discussion time. Some groups do reading aloud, while others read completely at home. Discussion and dialogue is emphasized. No formal grammar or pronunciation instruction is given. Groups are generally 4-10 students. Tutors must have an interest in working with immigrants from a variety of cultures, a love of reading and books, as well as patience and an open-minded attitude towards learning. Training:  9 hours total 

• Tutor orientation/training—3 hours
• Observation of  2 classes—4 hours
• Follow-up meeting—2 hours (after volunteer has started a small group)

 In-Service:

• The tutor coordinator will visit groups from time to time to give the tutor feedback and suggestions for effective facilitation
• Tutors are welcome to visit other groups to become familiar with other approaches

  Locations: Fremont, Union City, Newark, San Lorenzo, Castro Valley, Dublin   
 

Short Term Individual Tutoring  

Commitment:

We ask a volunteer to commit to at least 6 months of tutoring, 2-3 hours a week to work individually with literacy students to help them achieve their short term goals. 

Program description:

Volunteer tutors work individually with a student at the library once or twice a week for 2-3 hours total. Tutors may be matched with a student according to the tutor’s skills and availability. Tutoring “materials” are provided by the student. For example, students may need help filling out a form, reading a document, or preparing for a test. Tutors must have flexibility and patience, as well as an encouraging attitude. 

Training: 7 hours total 

• Tutor orientation—3 hours
• Follow-up meeting—2 hours (after tutoring has begun)
• On-going quarterly workshops – 2 hours

 In-Service:

• Tutors will stay in contact with the tutor coordinator to receive on-going support.

  Locations:               Fremont, Union City, Newark, San Lorenzo, Castro Valley, Dublin

    

 

Volunteer Application Form

(volform:10/07) 

Please fill out BOTH SIDES and return to:           

Write to Read 

Alameda County Library                                                                                  

2450 Stevenson Blvd.                                                                                   

Fremont, CA  94538 

Name _____________________________       Date ____________

Address_____________________________  

City ___________Zip________

Telephone (h) _______________  (c) __________________ (w)__________________

Email_______________________

Occupation: _________________________ (if retired, please tell us about former occupations) 

I am free to volunteer (please circle all days and times you are available):            Mon.                Tues.               Wed.               Thurs.              Fri.                  Sat.            

Mornings                                Afternoons                 Evenings 

I am willing to tutor in (please mark top 2 choices with the numbers 1 and 2):

___ Fremont   ___ Newark   ___ Union City

___ San Lorenzo ___ Castro Valley ___ Dublin

The following information is for state reports, and is confidential: 

ETHNIC BACKGROUND                                                                                                   

□  Asian                                                                                                 

□  Black                                                                                     

□  Hispanic                                                                                

□  Native American                                                                  

□  Other                                                                                      

□  Pacific Islands*                                                                           

□  White   

(*includes Filipino, Guamanian, Samoan)                                                                                      

SEX:   □Female        □Male 

BIRTHDATE: _________________________ 

LANGUAGE (S) SPOKEN (other than English):  _____________________   

                                                                                                                                                              
Please describe any previous experience you have had working with adults:  ______________________________________________________________________  ______________________________________________________________________  ______________________________________________________________________  ______________________________________________________________________   

After reading the descriptions of duties and training, I am interested in:   ___ Short Term Individual Tutoring Please list any special skills or knowledge you have to share: (for example, strong math skills, grammar skills, resume writing skills, test-taking skills)
______________________________________________________________________  ______________________________________________________________________ Also, please tell us what interests you in helping students individually with short-term goals: ______________________________________________________________________  ______________________________________________________________________  ______________________________________________________________________  ______________________________________________________________________  

OR ___ Facilitating High Level (Second Language) Student Reading Clubs Please tell us what interests you about leading a student reading club: ______________________________________________________________________  ______________________________________________________________________  ______________________________________________________________________  ______________________________________________________________________  ______________________________________________________________________  ______________________________________________________________________