English as a New Language Tutor
Empower adults from diverse backgrounds to develop their English language skills. Think of yourself as a guide, providing a supportive learning environment for adults learning the local culture and language. English language tutoring may include teaching basic grammar and vocabulary, practicing conversation skills, and reading and writing for daily activities. You may also help learners prepare for the citizenship test, job interviews, or help with other life skills. Meet one-on-one with your learner or host a weekly conversation group.
Adult Basic Literacy Tutor
Open new doors for adults learning to read. Nearly one in six adults struggle with basic literacy skills, impacting their ability to work, support their children with schoolwork, and participate in community activities. Adult basic literacy tutoring may include teaching phonics, word recognition, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and spelling. You may also help learners with daily living skills, such as reading the articles, filling out paperwork, or studying for the driver’s license test. Meet one-on-one with your learner or a small group.
Digital Literacy Tutor (Coming Soon!)
Help adults gain confidence and learn essential skills for navigating technology. Digital literacy tutors help adults learn to use their personal devices for simple tasks like checking voicemail, sending an email, saving and accessing files, and navigating the internet safely. Meet one-on-one with a learner or volunteer with the Library’s Tech Days program.
Tutor Responsibilities
- Plan weekly lessons to support your learner’s goals. No teaching experience? No problem! VITAL staff will support you every step of the way with training, mentoring, and an extensive collection of ready-to-use teaching resources.
- Help your learner(s) develop confidence. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and celebrate progress, no matter how small!
- Provide homework activities to encourage your learner(s) to practice their skills outside the classroom.
- Maintain regular communication regarding tutoring activities by submitting monthly tutoring reports promptly.
Time Commitment
- Attend a VITAL Information session to meet VITAL staff, experience tutoring activities, and tour our teaching and learning spaces.
- Complete initial online training at your own pace; the estimated time to complete this is four hours. VITAL staff will provide you with additional training as needed to address your student’s specific needs.
- VITAL staff will assign you a learner that has similar availability. You and your learner will plan a weekly schedule, meeting for a minimum of 1.5 hours per week.
- A six-month commitment is preferred—contact VITAL staff to discuss options for shorter time frames.
Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Fluency in English (additional language proficiency is helpful but not necessary).
- An openness to learning and trying new things.
- Empathy, patience, and a genuine interest in connecting with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Excellent communication skills and a positive attitude.
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Previous teaching experience is not required; we welcome beginners with open arms!
Next Steps
Contact VITAL if you have any questions and to register for a VITAL Information session. Call (812) 349-3173 or email vital [at] mcpl.info.
VITAL Programs Calendar