As you may know, the tutoring program here at Literacy Pittsburgh is expanding this program year! We're looking for new tutors in Washington, Butler, and Westmoreland counties—along with our current counties of Allegheny and Beaver. With this expansion, we want future tutors to know what support is available while they tutor with us. This article offers a behind-the-scenes look at the support we provide to all our tutors beyond initial training.
Each year, our tutors complete a pulse survey that gives us information about their experience. Year after year, tutors tell us they feel well supported in their role. In the most recent survey, completed in Spring 2026, many tutors said they have the resources they need to be successful and feel well supported. One tutor noted that the most rewarding part of tutoring with Literacy Pittsburgh is “being told I make a difference in someone’s life." Our tutors receive a variety of support throughout their experience tutoring with us, including a Program Coordinator they can contact at any time with questions, comments, or concerns. They also receive lesson plans, access to a dedicated tutor support website, and one-on-one coaching and support from the Tutoring Specialist.
Every tutor has a Program Coordinator who can answer questions about their student, textbook, or other resources. Program Manager Miranda Pino says that, “Supporting our tutors reminds me that having good neighbors who help one another makes a community better. The Tutoring Specialist is available to coach tutors on teaching strategies, digital skills for tutoring online, choosing supplementary materials, and anything else a tutor may need while working with their student(s). Providing 1:1 support to tutors is important because, just as our adult learners need varying levels of support to make progress toward their goals, we believe our tutors deserve the same kind of support. We also created and frequently update a website that tutors can access on demand. On this website, tutors can find lesson plans, training videos, and other resources that support their work with their student(s).
Overall, tutors at Literacy Pittsburgh feel well supported in their role, which is why we believe many continue to volunteer with us well beyond the minimum 6-month commitment. If you'd like to learn more about the support we provide tutors at Literacy Pittsburgh, please contact our tutoring specialist at specialist@literacypittsburgh.org.
If you or someone you know is interested in tutoring with Literacy Pittsburgh, please sign up here for a training near you!
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.
