Become an adult literacy tutor.
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We use an innovative training model which combines interactive Zoom classroom learning and guided self-study to equip our tutors to teach with confidence. |
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"Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope." Kofi Annan Former United Nations Secretary-General
FAQ's
Do I have to agree to your statement of faith?
What are the students like?
They are adults who struggle to live as adults in a world where reading is an assumed ability and essential to function fully. They can be any age but many are older adults who have spent their lives raising their families on low-paying jobs and now want to fulfill their life's ambition - to learn to read. Most are dyslexic. All are over-comers. All are seeking a way to have a better life.
What happens before my first meeting with my student?
Your student is thoroughly acquainted with what they can expect from you, their tutor, and the requirements of our program. Their goals are determined and their skills are assessed. Then they are matched with a tutor who is available at the same time and location whose teaching skills match their learning needs.
How will I know how to meet my student's needs?
After a student has been selected for you, the director will meet with your to go over an in-depth learning plan written for you to use with your student. The learning plan will detail not only your student's goals and skills but the best way to begin to meet those goals and teach the skills they need.
What if I don't have any teaching experience?
Professional teaching experience is not a requirement. A commitment to preparation and a focus on student success is. Being prepared to teach reading, meeting your student where they are, showing kindness and patience are required regardless of background.
Are there any special skills necessary to teach reading?
It is very helpful to have phonemic awareness, the ability to hear and identify individual speech sounds. If you're not sure if you have phonemic awareness, you can take a short screening here. It is not necessary to correctly answer all items on the screening. There are a few that just aren't clear.
What happens if I begin tutoring and run into problems I don't have answers for?
Get help sooner rather than later. The director/trainer, Donna Daulton, is the first call. She is always available to assist with questions and understands that especially at first there are lots of questions.
What kind of support is provide after training?
We have regular monthly Round Table meetings for additional training and sharing in addition to on-going, individualized support from the director.
How much time will tutoring take outside of class time?
At first it is longer, but the goal is 60 minutes of preparation time per class and the monthly Round Table meetings.
I'd love to volunteer but I have a few trips planned. How does this work?
While on-going, consistent class meetings are the key to success, we know there will be times both you and your student will not be able to meet. Missed classes should be kept to a minimum.
Where will I meet with my student?
We use public places with a private room which are convenient to both the tutor and student. Most of our tutors meet at the Gulf Coast Baptist Association building on old 49 in Gulfport but some meet in other public buildings as they are available or virtually.
What materials will I use?
The materials vary widely based on the skill needs and goals of our students. Some of the materials we use are the Barton Reading and Spelling System, LiPS, God's Plan, A Walk through the Bible, The Tool Box, teacher made materials as well as other materials as needed.
Do I have to have an email address?
Yes. You need an email which you check regularly. Much of our communication is done through email. We also use text as a medium of communication but it is not required that you text.
Do I have to have internet at home?
While it is highly preferred that you have internet access at home and some familiarity with technology, it is not essential. You may have to take some courses on-line, but that could be done at a library. In addition, more and more of the student materials are online or have online components.
When does the next tutor training begin?
Due to the current pandemic, tutor training classes are held via video conferencing on an individual basis. It will take approximately 15 hours of course work plus homework. The training is designed to introduce you to the various aspects of working with adult low-level readers and the skills needed to help them improve their reading ability. Each section focuses on a different aspect of and/or skill for helping adults learn to read better.
What do you mean by "interactive classroom learning and guided self-study"?
INTERACTIVE ZOOM CLASSROOM: Each training session is a hands-on class where tutor trainees not only learn about various aspects of working with adult low-level readers and the skills necessary but they participate in activities designed to stimulate and aid learning.
GUIDED SELF-STUDY: Tutor trainees also complete self-study assignments at home to prepare them for class discussions and to reinforce classroom instruction. These assignments are a combination of short reading-writing exercises and/or short online courses with the option for extended reading.
GUIDED SELF-STUDY: Tutor trainees also complete self-study assignments at home to prepare them for class discussions and to reinforce classroom instruction. These assignments are a combination of short reading-writing exercises and/or short online courses with the option for extended reading.
Is there a fee for the basic training?
Yes, it is a one-time $35 fee which covers all basic materials as well as all on-going training.
I'm in! What do I do next?
Contact Donna Daulton at (228) 806-4673 or email her at hopeadultlearning@gmail.com. Then print and fill out the Tutor Application and Registration form found here along with the Statement of Faith found here. Mail these to the address on the registration form along with your training fee.
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