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Adult Education Tutor

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Literacy Pittsburgh! With an average of 300 students on our waiting list, tutors are our greatest volunteer need.

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 public places convenient to both of you. Some students and tutors meet online. 
  • Receive full support from a staff member assigned to you 
  • Have opportunities for coaching and additional training 
  • Make a difference in someone’s life!

The first step in becoming a volunteer is to watch this 15-minute video about our organization, our students, and what is needed to be a successful volunteer. 

After watching the video, you'll next need to complete the volunteer application below and select a date to attend a free, two-hour Introductory Training about teaching adult learners. (Schedule here) Information about additional training will be provided at the introductory session. We can’t wait to meet you! 

Questions?

Once we receive your completed application, we will send you a confirmation email with the next steps. If you have any questions along the way, please contact us at volunteer@literacypittsburgh.org.

* A copy of the degree or transcript will be required before a tutor can be matched with a student(s).

Volunteer Application

Pre-application checklist

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Literacy Pittsburgh! We estimate this application will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.


Before applying, please watch the 15 minute Introduction to Volunteering video on our website. Once you’ve reviewed that information, here are a few important reminders about the requirements and commitments for Literacy Pittsburgh volunteers.


As a Literacy Pittsburgh tutor, you will:

  • Teach an adult reading, writing, and/or 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 2 hours each time
  • Be age 18 or older and possess a high school credential or higher
  • Meet your student online or in a public place at times convenient to both of you

Our people make Literacy Pittsburgh a welcoming and positive place to learn. We welcome all volunteers who reflect a diversity of culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, past experience with poverty or homelessness, or prior contact with the juvenile, criminal justice, or child welfare systems.

Please note that submitting a volunteer application does not guarantee placement, as all volunteer roles are subject to availability and alignment with the organization’s needs. We reserve the right to make final decisions regarding volunteer assignments and to conduct background checks on all prospective volunteers to ensure a safe and supportive environment for the individuals and communities we serve.

Contact and Demographic Information















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Education, Work, and Volunteer Experience

Please note that previous tutoring experience is not required to tutor with the Literacy Pittsburgh. Literacy Pittsburgh provides training both before a volunteer is placed and throughout a volunteer’s tenure. The following questions ask about previous tutoring experience so that staff can best support volunteers during their time tutoring with the Literacy Pittsburgh.




The PA Dept. of Adult Education requires all volunteers to provide proof of educational credential. You must have a high school diploma or equivalent or higher.  A copy of your high school diploma, university degree, OR unofficial transcript (whichever is easiest) is needed prior to being matched with a student or class. You may upload a copy or photo to this form or submit it later.

Please contact Jeff at 412-707-7522 if you have any questions about this requirement.






Please take a moment to read over Literacy Pittsburgh's mission, vision, and values.


Mission

Better lives through learning.

Vision

A more inclusive and productive community driven by access to education.

Values

  • We believe that all people deserve the opportunity to learn in a place where their strengths are celebrated.
  • We respect all people and their ability to shape their own lives.
  • We have a duty to earn the trust of everyone we work with.
  • Our collective well-being depends on welcoming diverse cultures and perspectives.
  • As a leader, we embrace the responsibility to innovate, model best practices, and grow.




Tutor rights and responsibilities

As a Literacy Pittsburgh Tutor, you have the right to:

1. A current, detailed job description outlining requirements for the position.

2. A worthwhile, challenging assignment that matches your interests and availability.

3. Understand the importance of your job as it relates to Literacy Pittsburgh's goals and objectives.

4. Be treated as a co-worker and kept informed of Literacy Pittsburgh activities.

5. Expect opportunities for personal growth and skills development.

6. Receive appropriate orientation, training and supervision.

7. Receive recognition, both formal and informal.

8. Be given a satisfactory environment in which to work.

9. Participate in planning and decision-making as related to your assignment.

10. Receive feedback on the results of your student's evaluations.


As a Literacy Pittsburgh Tutor, you have a responsibility to:

1. Teach to your student's goals.

2. Demonstrate an interest in and commitment to the organization.

3. Perform your job in a reliable and conscientious manner.

4. Accept Literacy Pittsburgh 's organizational values and prescribed tutoring techniques.

5. Take advantage of workshops and other professional development opportunities provided by Literacy Pittsburgh

6. Treat students, paid staff and other volunteers with courtesy and respect.

7. Write detailed, accurate weekly reports

8. Maintain student trust by respecting confidentiality in all situations, even among other volunteers.

9. Participate in planning and decision-making as related to your assignment.

10. Accept advice and supervision from paid staff.

11. Ask for guidance when you are in doubt about any aspect of your position.

12. Respect your workplace. Remember, most of your space is donated.



A full volunteer policy handbook will be made available during training.

Tutoring Preferences



Please select the introductory Tutor Training you would like to attend: 

Optional Donation: 

Your tax-deductible donation underwrites tutor recruitment and support, student assessment and goal setting, books and materials, and other resources to make our programs possible!

Thank you for considering this additional way to support Literacy Pittsburgh’s students.
https://www.literacypittsburgh.org/charitable-donations/
As part of our tutor application and training process, our training coordinator, Jeff Rice, will contact you for a short phone call to discuss your goals as a volunteer tutor and to get to know you more fully. Where possible, Jeff will call you according to any timing preference you stated as part of your application. To prepare for his call, feel free to save his number in your phone: 412-707-7522


Thank you for joining us in helping to make Better Lives Through Learning!


Contact

Jeff Rice
Training Coordinator
412-707-7522
EMAIL

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