Help Empower an Adult: Tutor Reading at the Library! Training Provided.

About the role

Our tutoring program is learner‑centered, based on each adult learner's personal, literacy‑related goals such as writing an email, helping a child with homework, getting a better job, or obtaining a driver’s license. This is not homework‑help tutoring; tutors are matched with the same learner over time (typically weekly for 1.5–2 hours, six months or longer, often a year or more) to build rapport and develop a deeper understanding of the learner’s needs. Sacramento County statistics show that about 23‑28 % of adults read and write at or below a 3rd‑grade level, including native English speakers and many with undiagnosed or diagnosed dyslexia. The program provides reading‑writing and/or English language instructional materials, encouraging tutors to complement them with real‑life resources and practice activities that align with the learner’s goals. Tutors are not bound to a set curriculum; they are encouraged to be creative and discover what works best for each learner. Digital literacy skills may be included. Watch a video of learners and tutors sharing their experiences.

Responsibilities

• Meet with an assigned learner weekly for 1.5 to 2 hours, committing to a minimum of six months (often a year or more) until the learner achieves one or more meaningful literacy‑related goals.
• Use provided instructional materials and supplement them with real‑life resources, practice activities, and creative approaches to teach foundational reading, writing, numeracy/math, and, when relevant, digital literacy.
• Break down concepts into digestible parts, relate them to everyday life, and provide ample practice in innovative yet practical ways.
• Adapt tutoring strategies to the learner’s strengths, challenges, and motivations, fostering a mentoring‑like relationship focused on skill development.
• Optionally work with more than one learner individually or participate in small‑group tutoring if desired.

Requirements

No formal teaching experience or college degree is required. Volunteers must possess strong literacy and communication skills in English.

Qualifications

• Empathetic, nonjudgmental, patient, humble, self‑aware.
• Flexible, growth‑mindset, lifelong learner with strong interpersonal skills.
• Creative thinker and problem‑solver; innovative yet practical.
• Ability to break down concepts into digestible bits and relate/apply them to everyday life.
• Appreciation of learner‑centered instruction, peer teaching/mentoring, interactive learning.
• Basic proficiency in email, computer, internet, and smartphone skills (or willingness to learn before starting).

Skills (helpful but not required)

• Experience as a staff trainer/manager, coach, job coach, academic counselor, therapist, Adult Education teacher/staff, learning disabilities specialist, Special Ed professional, speech‑language pathologist.
• Background in linguistics/bilingual education or digital literacy.