Volunteering
How to Become a Tutor
The heart of the Literacy Project's life-long learning programs are the volunteer tutors who dedicate their time and energy to teach the project's students in one-on-one or group classes. Volunteer Tutors who work with basic and GED students receive 12 hours training in teaching strategies and techniques from the project's staff. Upon completion of the training, the volunteer tutors are matched with a student or group of students.
Progress of the student-tutor teams is managed by the volunteer tutor coordinators. They provide assistance, support, and additional training to the student and tutor as needed.
The first step in becoming a Literacy Project tutor is to call our Avon Office at 970-949-5026 or Eagle/Gypsum Office at 970-328-9014, and request a volunteer application packet.
You may also copy and print our online volunteer interest form. Please click on the application link below, fill out the form, and return it to the Literacy Project Office, located in the Avon Public Library or mail it to:
The Literacy Project
PO Box 608
Minturn, CO 81645
*Additionally, adults working with youth in our programs must include a CBI background check with their application. Please go to CBI Records Check.
Choose a Tutoring Option
- Basic literacy, teaching native speakers to read - These students read below an 8th grade level and have practical goals like getting a job, earning a driver's license, or helping their children with homework. A long-term goal might be to earn a high school equivalency degree (GED).
- Study Friends, assisting middle school students - The Study Friends Program is designed to help middle school aged children improve their reading, writing, language, and homework skills. The students are usually referred to the program by their student counselor.
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESL or (ESOL) - Learners often (but not always) come to us with a high level of education in their native country and limited English language skills. Most are immigrants and refugees. Others are here as visitors, often while a spouse is on temporary assignment. They need help with spoken English, and often, with understanding our culture. A long-term goal might be to become a citizen.
Tutor Job Description and Volunteer Statement of Agreement
To serve as a Literacy Project volunteer, we ask that you agree to the following:
- Volunteering for at least six months
- Spending at least one hour per week planning your lesson
- Meeting consistently with your student once a week
- Being on time for your tutoring sessions
- Completing the entire eighteen-hour initial training
- Abiding by the Literacy Project policies and procedures
- Maintaining student confidentiality
- Attending periodic mini-conferences
- Submitting monthly reports on your student's progress
- Notifying the program immediately with any changes of address or phone, or changes in the status of your tutoring
- Submitting a summary of the work you did with your student upon the conclusion of your time\together
- Attending special events that support the program
We have found that a successful tutor is organized, patient, reliable, respectful, flexible, and has integrity. A genuine love for reading and a good sense of humor are definitely desired.
The Literacy Project appreciates your readiness to share your love of reading with another person and the commitment you are offering to make. Without interest from people like you, our program would not exist. Thank you for helping us support literacy in Eagle County.
Tutoring Sites
The tutors and students of The Literacy Project meet in a variety of locations, allowing students to pick the location most convenient for them. The main meeting places include the Minturn Community Building, the Avon Public Library, the Eagle Public Library, and the Gypsum Public Library.
