TUTORING
Become a tutor
Every time somebody becomes a
tutor for the Kalamazoo Literacy Council (KLC), we are one step closer to making Kalamazoo County 100 percent literate. One on one tutoring and classes are offered online through our Virtual Learning Center and outdoors in our Read and Seed community garden and Interpretive Learning Center which serves as our outdoor classroom. Please review the online tutor opportunities, then sign up for a tutor training session using the form below. Thank you for your interest.
Think you can’t tutor virtually? Yes, you can! Let our navigators introduce you to Being a Virtual Tutor.
Two needed:
Work in a virtual classroom setting assisting the instructor with beginner level yet highly motivated English language learners. Choose to volunteer in either the morning or evening class.
Tuesday/Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
You can help someone start a new chapter by becoming a reading tutor. The KLC trains tutors to work one-on-one with adult students to improve their reading, writing and spelling skills. No prior training or experience is required.
Four needed:
Work with a learner to enhance their English reading, writing, spelling, and speaking skills. Tutors will be given materials to assist learners in achieving their goals. Requirements:
- Weekly sessions, 1-2 hours
- Record attendance and complete a monthly report
- Encouraged to attend monthly ESL Forums
The KLC needs trained reading tutors who are interested in helping students learn at our Community Literacy Centers. Tutors work with a range of students from Laubach to Challenger on a weekly basis. These students are often times waiting for their permanent tutor or are students who want more instruction time.
Two needed:
Help adult learners enhance their basic computer skills (turning on a computer, using a mouse, keyboarding, etc). Curriculum is provided, no experience necessary.
Class: Wednesdays, in person, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Requirements:
- Weekly sessions
- Record attendance and complete a monthly report
- Encouraged to attend monthly Workforce Literacy Forums
Two needed:
Help learners on a path to a GED and/or enrolling at a community college or university. Work in PLATO Courseware as well as various supplemental materials based on need and answer PLATO and pre-GED questions.
- Weekly sessions, 1-2 hrs
- Trained in Laubach and Challenger
- Trained in PLATO software (2 hrs)
- Record attendance and complete monthly report
- Encouraged to attend monthly Workforce Literacy Forums
Two needed:
Work with learners who are seeking employment; tasks include completing resumes, cover letters, online job searching, and building the confidence to become employed. Requirements:
- Observe one JOBS session (training)
- Assist with one JOBS session (training)
- Record attendance and complete monthly report
- Encouraged to attend monthly Workforce Literacy Forums
Two needed:
Assist learners with weekly activities and lessons in our “Parent Literacy Together” class, which helps parents become more confident “first teachers” of their children. Classes are Wednesdays in-person from 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Requirements:
- Encouraged to complete training as a “Trusted Messenger” by Talking is Teaching
- Attend weekly classes
- Record attendance and complete monthly report
- Encouraged to attend monthly Parent Literacy Forums
Two needed:
Work with English language learners in a weekly class to practice conversational English, share experiences, and build confidence. This lively class is perfect for someone with a few hours to spare to help adult learners reach their language goals. We provide training, curriculum, and ongoing support.
Class time will be based on volunteer availability.
Requirements
To become a tutor, please 
meet the following criteria:
- Be able to read and write
- Feel comfortable communicating with students
- Participate in 14 hours of training
- Commit to a minimum of one year of service
- Meet with student online at least once a week at a time convenient for both of you
- Provide monthly updates on student’s progress
Training
We have many virtual tutor trainings scheduled throughout the year – so you can choose one that best fits your schedule. See all available dates.