Â鶹·¬Íâ

research-backed

From regular student assessment to contracting for independent studies, Â鶹·¬Íâ systematically collects, analyzes, and uses data to generate knowledge, improve programs, and report on impacts.

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science of reading

The established and growing research we have about how students learn to read, including systemic phonics education.

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individualized

A facet of high-dosage tutoring in which a tutor offers one-on-one attention to their student, resulting in targeted support, and personalized literacy learning.

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high-dosage

The frequency of a learning experience. For example, Â鶹·¬Íâ students receive twice weekly tutoring for maximum growth.

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educational equity

Ensuring every student, no matter their race, gender, socioeconomic level, or location has access to the resources and support they need to succeed in school and in life.

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Become a volunteer tutor

Spend a little over an hour per week helping students gain lifelong literacy skills that will lay a solid foundation for future learning.
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Online & in-person options

Volunteering may be available in person and/or online depending on your local area. Volunteers must reside in the US.

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1 hour per week

Volunteers commit a little over an hour per week. We welcome more.

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Weekday volunteer times available

Choose the time that works best for you

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No experience required

We provide a highly effective, easy-to-use curriculum, training, and ongoing support.

Application process

1

Meet requirements

2

Sign up

3

Tutor orientation

4

Clearance requirements

5

Meet your student

volunteer

Learn more about volunteering

Join our national community engagement team on the second Friday of each month for a 30-minute information session where you can learn more about Â鶹·¬Íâ and volunteer tutoring!

Find the right opportunity for you

Volunteer Quiz
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How old are you?

7,827

community tutors (2023-24)

Diverse mentors matter
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199,348

tutoring sessions delivered (2023-24)

View our impact report
Mary Jane has been tutoring for 20+ years
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100%

of teachers reported Â鶹·¬Íâ valuable to their school (2023-24)

FAQs

Jump to the top of this page and select your region from the dropdown button, then click “Volunteer” on the next page to complete the online sign up process.

Our volunteer tutors have varied experience, ranging from high school students to working professionals to retirees. The only requirements are:

  • Volunteers must be at least 14 years old (some opportunities may only be available for volunteers 18 years or older).
  • Volunteers must pass a background check and any other regional clearance requirements.
  • Volunteers must commit to at least one tutoring session at the same time each week.
  • Volunteers must reside within a commutable distance to a Â鶹·¬Íâ region in order to tutor in-person. Most online volunteer opportunities require tutors to reside within the state where Â鶹·¬Íâ operates. However, some opportunities may be available for individuals residing in other locations within the US. If you are unsure, feel free to sign up and a member of our team will confirm what opportunities are available.

Orientation – All volunteers must complete a required tutor orientation to learn more about Â鶹·¬Íâ’ mission, model, and tutoring strategies. Each orientation usually lasts one to two hours and will prepare you to deliver the Â鶹·¬Íâ curriculum prior to your first tutoring session.

Ongoing training – AmeriCorps program coordinators will offer ongoing coaching and support in both in-person and online tutoring opportunities. Never hesitate to ask questions!

Â鶹·¬Íâ also provides optional training events on a variety of literacy related subjects and tutoring strategies. Volunteer reading partners can also access training videos and resources available on our online Resource Hub.

Â鶹·¬Íâ Connects volunteers must meet the following technology requirements in order to tutor a student online.

  • Access to reliable wifi
  • Ability to connect to a password protected wifi, preferably a private home or school network
  • Login via a PC, Mac, or Chromebook computer with a functioning webcam and microphone (no public devices!)
  • Must be in the United States when holding a virtual tutoring session
  • Optional: headphones with a microphone

Â鶹·¬Íâ closely monitors student progress while they are enrolled in the program to ensure each student is meeting their individual literacy goals.  We have seen that whether a student is receiving tutoring in person using our traditional curriculum or online using the Â鶹·¬Íâ Connects platform and curriculum, the results are aligned.  When students are receiving one-on-one individualized instruction for 90 minutes a week, the results are very different from data for virtual, group, asynchronous learning that the country experienced.

We ask that volunteers commit to at least one session per week. The total time commitment per session is a little over an hour per week including prep time before each session, the 45 minute session, and wrap-up time after the session. In addition to scheduled tutoring, all new volunteers must complete required training before being matched with a student. 

Yes. All volunteer reading partners are required to complete a Â鶹·¬Íâ-specific background check, which is determined at the regional level with our school and district partners. If a fee is involved in completing a background check, we are happy to reimburse you.

Yes! However, we do require that you be fluent in English in order to deliver our curriculum to students in English.