Volunteering as an adult literacy tutor gives you the chance to see firsthand the impact of your actions. Every day, an average of 200 students are waiting for someone just like you. You don't need to have teaching experience and you don't need to speak a foreign language. Your enthusiasm, patience, and compassion are far more important.
As a Literacy Pittsburgh tutor, you will:
- Teach an adult reading, writing, and math, or English language skills one-to-one or in a small group.
- Attend a free two-part training prior to volunteering
- Commit to working with your student for at least 6 months
- Teach twice a week for 1.5 to 2 hours each time
- Be age 18 or older and possess a high school credential or higher.*
- Meet your student at times and in places convenient to both of you**
- Receive full support from a staff member assigned to you
- Have opportunities for coaching and additional training
- Make a difference in someone’s life!
If teaching is not a fit for you, there are many other ways you can become a literacy volunteer. You can help a student with completing online job applications, applying for college, or understanding workplace expectations. You can also organize a group of friends or co-workers to help English language learners practice their skills through Classroom Conversation Partners. Or, share your passion for literacy education with friends and family as a fundraising volunteer. Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring and Compass AmeriCorps are also programs to consider as you are looking for volunteering opportunities in Pittsburgh. Learn more.
* A copy of the degree or transcript will be required before a tutor can be matched with a student(s).
** Some tutoring is taking place virtually
