Volunteering for the ESOL Tutoring Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ESOL Tutoring Program?

The ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Tutoring Program is a one-on-one tutoring program for adults who need help with speaking and understanding English, as well as reading and writing. The program is designed to provide students with a firm base of literacy skills with which to pursue further educational goals. Who will I be teaching?

ESOL learners have been screened and tested prior to being accepted as a student. Students enrolled in this program represent over 73 countries from all regions of the world. They often have even lower-level English skills than those in classroom-based programs, and may or may not have literacy skills in their native language(s). I don’t speak any other language. I have never taught before. Am I eligible to become a tutor?

Tutoring sessions are held completely in English—therefore, no second language is required. We also provide an intensive training that will teach you how to tutor your student successfully, so while prior teaching or tutoring experience is helpful, it is not necessary. You need only a desire to help adults learn how to speak, understand, read and write English. What sort of training do you provide?

LCNV provides its tutors with all the initial training they need through a mandatory training workshop which extends over three consecutive Saturdays. Workshop participants pay a one-time $50 fee, which partially covers the cost of the books they receive to use with their students, as well as the ongoing support and resources affiliation with the Council provides. Upon completion of their training, volunteers receive certification from the Council. Where do the lessons take place?

Lessons take place at a library, community center, or other public place that is convenient for both the tutor and student. You tell us how far you are willing to travel, and we will match you up with a student who meets your criteria. How many times per week do I meet with my student, and for how long?

Each pair of tutors and students meets once or twice a week for approximately an hour and a half each session. Volunteers in the tutoring programs have considerable flexibility, since each tutor/student pair sets its own schedule.

What happens if I become sick or go on vacation?

Since you set your own schedule with your student, it is perfectly acceptable to take a week or two off tutoring, as long as you make arrangements as far in advance as possible. Of course, emergencies happen, but we trust that you will always be in contact with your student. How long does the match with my student last?

There is no required completion time for your match—volunteer tutors provide specialized instruction that allows each student to progress at his or her own pace. I am now actively tutoring my student, and I have lots of questions. Who can I turn to for help?

Continued support is provided through regularly scheduled in-services, a quarterly newsletter, and individual assistance by trained and knowledgeable LCNV staff and long-term volunteers who work in your region. The Literacy Council also maintains a resource library, which includes a wide range of over 4,000 supplemental materials. What is the required commitment for ESOL tutoring?

We request our tutors to work with their students for at least nine months. Many tutors, however, stay with the program much longer and develop long-term relationships with their students. If you foresee any life changes that will prevent you from fulfilling your commitment (pending surgery, extended vacation, relocation, etc.) then please let us know. We can work with you! Is this the right volunteer opportunity for me?

The ESOL Tutoring Program provides wonderful volunteer opportunities for people who want to teach students individually rather than in a group situation. You will find your relationship with your student to be extremely rewarding. Improvements in student self-confidence are often apparent from the start, and our tutors experience great satisfaction from helping their students achieve their goals and improve their lives. More questions? Contact the Volunteer Trainings Coordinator at volunteers@lcnv.org or 703-237-0866 x116.

LITERACY COUNCIL OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL) TUTOR

Goals: To provide one-to-one tutoring in speaking, understanding, reading, and writing

English to a non-English speaking adult enrolled in the LCNV program.

Duties: Meet with your student regularly for tutoring sessions in a public place.

Create student-centered, competency-based lesson plans. Review and reinforce

learning regularly. Praise often.

Communicate frequently with appropriate staff and with your Placement

Advisor.

Track your tutoring hours and your student’s progress and achievements. At the

end of each quarter, submit a report to the Literacy Council in a timely manner.

Give your student sufficient notice if unable to keep arranged meeting times.

Notify your Placement Advisor promptly when your tutoring begins or ends.

Participate in additional in-service training and Tutor Support meetings.

Qualifications: Dependable, supportive, patient and flexible individual able to relate to culturally

and economically diverse individuals.

Able to establish good rapport with students, communicate with them effectively,

and respond to their learning needs.

Willing to learn new information and skills.

Eligibility

Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old.

Completed high school, or its equivalent.

Provide own transportation and meet in a public place.

Speak, read and write English fluently.

Complete 16 ½ hour pre-service tutor training workshop at the

Literacy Council.

Time

Commitment: Available to tutor a minimum of 1½ hours per week on a consistent basis for a

minimum of 9 months