SPL - Adult Literacy

Volunteers provide tutoring for ESOL and adult basic education learners who would like to develop their conversational English, reading comprehension, writing and basic math skills. They may also assist individuals with preparing for the GED and the U.S. Naturalization (civics) tests. Volunteers must be comfortable tutoring learners individually and in small groups on a drop-in basis.

Tutor Responsibilities:

• At the beginning of the tutoring session, ask open-ended questions to engage learners in a discussion to determine their educational goals. Facilitate learning activities that pertain to their goals.
  
  
• Using learning activities that have been provided by Library staff, assist English language learners with developing speaking and listening skills.
  
  
• Assist learners with developing reading comprehension skills. Offer literacy learning activities and/or assist individuals with reading materials that they have selected. 
  
  
• Offer to read learners’ written work and provide constructive feedback.
  
  
• Share your knowledge of a subject, such as English, history, mathematics, science and social studies.
  
  
• Demonstrate ESOL and literacy websites that provide learning resources and activities.
  
  
• Refer learners who request help with finding books, reference materials, online resources and community services to Library staff.
  
  
• Communicate regularly with your branch Volunteer Liaison regarding questions, suggestions, upcoming absences and to request supplies.
  
  
• Abide by The Seattle Public Library’s confidentiality policy and support for intellectual freedom.
  
  
• Shared responsibility: Serve as a greeter for the tutoring session. The greeter will welcome adult learners, inquire about their educational goals and introduce them to tutors.    

Time Commitment:

Adult Tutors assist adult learners at the Lake City Branch from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Tutors are scheduled once a week for at least six months. Volunteers who are unable to make a weekly commitment may be scheduled at least twice a month (first, third and fifth Saturday or second and fourth Saturday).

Qualifications:

Adult Tutors must be at least 18 years old. Volunteer candidates will be asked to provide consent for a nationwide criminal background check. The Library is unable to place applicants who have assault, abuse, theft or other serious criminal convictions as Adult Tutors. Desired qualifications and skills include:

• Experience teaching or tutoring English language learners is preferred, but not required.
• Must have a high school or a GED diploma. Completion of at least one quarter of college or a vocational program is preferred.
• Empathy, a friendly demeanor and communication skills, especially active listening.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Proficiency in basic mathematics.
• Considerable patience, flexibility, creativity and a willingness to use a variety of methods to enable students to learn.
• Ability to work as part of a team with other volunteers and Library staff.
• Proficient in using email, Word and the internet. Volunteers are expected to check their email on a regular basis and log their Adult Tutor volunteer hours online.

Tutors must have a personal commitment to cultural humility when interacting with library patrons, staff and volunteers. Cultural humility is a lifelong process of self-awareness and reflection whereby the individual not only learns about another person’s culture and values, but understands their own cultural identity, values, assumptions and biases.

For More Information:

Please contact our Volunteer Services Coordinator at volunteer@spl.org to request information about current openings before completing an online application. Thanks!