Sometimes we hear from new volunteers that they have been considering tutoring for many years, but they were hesitant to sign up because they weren’t sure they could do it. At Literacy Pittsburgh, our Academic Team is here to provide training and ongoing support for all of our tutors to help them succeed. Our Tutoring Specialist, Lindsey Crumley, and our Tutor Training Coordinator, Jeff Rice are here to answer your questions. Here are some of the questions we get the most from new volunteers. If you have been considering signing up to tutor, you may have some of these questions yourself!
Q: How do tutors get matched with students?
A: Literacy Pittsburgh offers tutoring throughout Allegheny and Beaver counties. We have divided this region into 8 Program Areas, with each one headed by a Program Coordinator. Tutors are assigned to a Program Area based on their zip code, and the Program Coordinator matches them with a student in the same area so that no one has to travel very far to meet.
Q: What if I want to tutor near my work rather than near my home address?
A: If you are interested in tutoring at a location different from your own neighborhood, we will be happy to change your Program Area to meet your needs.
Q: Do I need to know another language in order to tutor English?
A: No, all you need to know is English! Our lesson plans and textbooks are designed to be accessible for speakers of any language by incorporating audio and visual content in addition to text.
Q: What are the textbooks and lesson plans that you use?
A: We have a wide range of textbooks that tutors and students will use. The materials are selected based on students' goals and test scores. ESL students will take a test called the BEST Plus 3.0, and their score on that test will let us know which level of the Stand Out textbook series is most appropriate based on their English skills. ABE students will be given either a reading textbook, math textbook, or both based on their goals. They will take a TABE test, which is a Test of Adult Basic Education. Based on their score, we will then provide them with an appropriate textbook. For reading they will receive either Journey to Success or GED Test Mastery. For math, they will either work in a series called Breakthrough to Math or Math Sense. Each textbook has a unique learning plan that provides additional information about the book. It includes helpful tips, more information about the test students take, and other helpful recommendations for teaching using that textbook. Lesson plans for all of these textbooks are also available at LPtutor.com.
Q: What kind of ongoing support is provided to tutors?
A: Literacy Pittsburgh provides a wide variety of ways for tutors to engage in ongoing support. We provide a Tutor Conference twice a year with one being in person and another being online. We also have a Tutor Talk each month where program coordinators or other staff provide professional development on a variety of topics. Each of these tutor talks, and the online conference presentations are recorded and are available for tutors to watch on our tutor YouTube channel. We also provide a monthly Gather and Gab where tutors can meet to connect with one another to talk about topics and learn tips from each other as well.
Q: How can I receive more individualized support?
A: Once you become a tutor with Literacy Pittsburgh, you will have all of the resources mentioned above available to you. We also recognize that tutors may need more individualized support as they get to know their students' academic needs better. Our Tutoring Specialist is always available to meet one on one with tutors to provide tailored support. To request individualized support, tutors can email her directly or talk with their program coordinator.
Literacy Pittsburgh (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council) helps create better lives through learning. Recognized as a national leader in adult and family literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh is the largest provider of adult basic education in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. Last year, Literacy Pittsburgh helped more than 4,000 individuals acquire the skills needed to reach their fullest potential in life and participate productively in their communities. Literacy Pittsburgh provides free, personalized instruction in workforce readiness, high school diploma test preparation, digital literacy, English language learning, math, reading, and family literacy through one-to-one and small class instruction. Founded in 1982, it serves local adults through numerous neighborhood locations and its Downtown Pittsburgh Learning Center.
