Sometimes new volunteers tell us they have considered tutoring for many years, but were hesitant to sign up because they weren’t sure they could do it. At Literacy Pittsburgh, our Academic Team provides training and ongoing support to all our tutors to help them succeed.
Tutoring Specialist Lindsey Crumley and Tutor Training Coordinator Jeff Rice compiled some of the most frequently asked questions from new volunteers. If you have been considering signing up to tutor, you may have some of these questions yourself!
Q: How do tutors get matched with students?
A: Literacy Pittsburgh offers tutoring throughout Allegheny and Beaver counties. We have divided this region into 8 Program Areas, with each one headed by a Program Coordinator. Tutors are assigned to a Program Area based on their zip code, and the Program Coordinator matches them with a student in the same area so that no one has to travel very far to meet.
Q: What if I want to tutor near my work rather than near my home address?
A: If you are interested in tutoring at a location different from your own neighborhood, we will be happy to change your Program Area to meet your needs.
Q: Do I need to know another language in order to tutor English?
A: No, all you need to know is English! Our lesson plans and textbooks are designed to be accessible to speakers of any language by incorporating audio and visual content in addition to text.
Q: What are the textbooks and lesson plans that you use?
A: We have a wide range of textbooks that tutors and students will use. The materials are selected based on students' goals and test scores. English language learning students will take a test called the BEST Plus 3.0, and their score will indicate which level of the Stand Out textbook series is most appropriate for their English skills. Adult education students will receive either a reading textbook, a math textbook, or both, depending on their goals. They will take the TABE, which stands for Test of Adult Basic Education. Based on their score, we will then provide them with an appropriate textbook. For reading, they will receive either Journey to Success or GED Test Mastery. For math, they will either work in a series called Breakthrough to Math or Math Sense. Each textbook has a unique learning plan that provides additional information about the book, such as tips, details about the test students take, and other recommendations for teaching with that textbook. Lesson plans for all of these textbooks are also available at our tutor website.
Q: What kind of ongoing support is provided to tutors?
A: Literacy Pittsburgh provides a wide variety of ways for tutors to engage in ongoing support. We hold a Tutor Conference twice a year, with one in person and the other online. We also host a Tutor Talk each month, where program coordinators or other staff provide professional development on a variety of topics. These tutor talks and the online conference presentations are recorded and available for tutors to watch on our tutor YouTube channel. We also host a monthly Gather and Gab event where tutors can connect in person for casual conversation and to share tutoring tips.
Q: How can I receive more individualized support?
A: Once you become a tutor with Literacy Pittsburgh, you will have all of the resources mentioned above available to you. We also recognize that tutors may need more individualized support as they get to know their students' academic needs better. Our tutoring specialist is always available to meet one-on-one with tutors to provide tailored support. To request individualized support, tutors can email the tutoring specialist directly or talk with their program coordinator.
Literacy Pittsburgh (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council) helps create better lives through learning. Recognized as a national leader in adult and family literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh is the largest provider of adult basic education in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. Last year, Literacy Pittsburgh helped more than 4,000 individuals acquire the skills needed to reach their fullest potential in life and participate productively in their communities. Literacy Pittsburgh provides free, personalized instruction in workforce readiness, high school diploma test preparation, digital literacy, English language learning, math, reading, and family literacy through one-to-one and small class instruction. Founded in 1982, it serves local adults through numerous neighborhood locations and its Downtown Pittsburgh Learning Center.
