North Portland Library: Adult Literacy Tutoring (age 18+)

Do you want to help adults reach their learning goals? Join us at North Portland Library to partner with adults learning English, basic reading skills, or those who are studying for the GED! During a 2-hour drop-in tutoring session, volunteers meet with learners individually or in small groups. Study materials will be provided. 

Location: North Portland Library, 512 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217 

Time commitment: One weekly shift for a minimum of 6 months starting on April 7 or after. Drop-in tutoring sessions take place on Mondays between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm. Please note that this is a drop-in tutoring program, so attendance may vary. Your flexibility is appreciated, as your presence is valuable for learners who do attend.

Currently recruiting for:

  • Basic Literacy Tutors help adults who are learning to read in English, helping them develop foundational reading skills. Volunteers provide individualized tutoring sessions to adult learners, focusing on basic reading skills, from phonics to comprehension.
  • ESOL Tutors help English language learners develop speaking and listening skills using learning activities. Tutors support adults in learning activities that pertain to their goals, such as developing reading comprehension skills, writing skills, learning vocabulary, etc. 
  • GED Tutors help adults studying for the GED test including math, language arts, social studies, and science sections. Volunteers review study materials brought in by learners, answer learner questions, and provide guidance on passing the GED test.

Tasks & Responsibilities

  • Engage learners using open-ended questions to determine their specific goals
  • Monitor and document learners' progress, adjusting instruction methods as necessary to meet the learner's evolving needs
  • Emphasize positive reinforcement and repetition to build learners' confidence and skill, understanding that progress may be slow but steady.
  • Be well prepared and offer learning activities that are based on the interests of the learners; offer to review work that learners have completed independently.
  • Foster a supportive, nonjudgmental learning environment where adults feel empowered to improve their literacy skills.

Special Skills & Qualifications

  • Fluency in written and spoken English
  • Minimum 18 years or older
  • Teaching or tutoring experience preferred but not required
  • Empathy and a friendly demeanor
  • Patience, flexibility, and creativity
  • Commitment to help individuals reach personal educational goals
  • Willingness to use a variety of methods to promote understanding with students
  • Respects diversity and appreciates diverse learning abilities
  • Ability to work as part of a team and to collaborate with other volunteers and staff
  • Ability to pass a criminal record check. Results of the records check will be reviewed on an individualized basis. A conviction is not an automatic bar to volunteering.
  • Preferred knowledge for Basic Literacy Tutoring: Background in teaching reading (through formal education or tutoring training) or self-taught with a strong understanding of basic literacy instruction. A commitment to using Structured Literacy in tutoring sessions.
  • Preferred knowledge for ESOL Tutoring: Competency in TESOL methodology, vocabulary development, and computer-aided instruction. Knowledge of English language fundamentals, including pronunciation, parts of speech, noun and verb morphology, subject-verb agreement, and rules for basic verb tenses. Familiarity with writing conventions, such as coordination and subordination, sentence structure (fragments, comma splices, fused sentences), punctuation, and common spelling errors.
  • Preferred knowledge for GED Tutoring: basic math, language arts, social studies, and science.

Benefits

  • Feel that you are a making a difference in someone’s life
  • Empower people to use technology in their learning
  • Promote lifelong learning
  • Learn more about adult learning styles
  • Get experience working with patrons in a public library environment

Training & Support

  • Orientation to Multnomah County Library and support provided by staff
  • Shadow a tutoring session led by volunteers or staff
  • Virtual workshops offered by community partners such as the Portland Literacy Council and other online resources