Tutor Opportunities

SCOLA is a volunteer-based program and depends on the commitment of volunteer tutors. A SCOLA tutor is a volunteer who has completed a four-year college degree or is in the process of doing so, is able to read and write, and has the time and patience to teach someone else. Tutors provide confidential, one-on-one or small group tutoring to adult non-readers, both native and foreign-born, in basic reading, writing, conversation, and life skills.

Tutors complete all five sessions of a 16-hour workshop which is available on DVD or VHS for individual training at home or at the SCOLA Learning Center. Tutors meet with Mary Ann Tolerico, Program Coordinator, regularly during the training process. Mary Ann is available at 346-6203, extension 15, to provide information on how to start the training.

SCOLA provides free training and instructional materials and makes available appropriate technology for tutors. SCOLA also provides online professional development opportunities and in-services to tutors. Tutors are expected to meet with students for two 1 ½ sessions each week, but can schedule times convenient to them and the students.

Other tutoring opportunities:
ESL (English as Second Language) Conversation Partner: The purpose of this volunteer opportunity is to give SCOLA ESL students a chance to use the English they are learning in class in an ordinary, everyday conversational setting. Volunteers and students are paired and expected to meet once each week for at least one hour. The length of commitment is open; however, it is most helpful to students and SCOLA if volunteers continue for at least six months.

ESL (English as Second Language) Telephone Conversation Partner: This volunteer opportunity is similar to the Conversation Partner except conversation is practiced over the telephone using scripted material and/or general topics of interest to the student. Speaking English and understanding English on the telephone constitutes a major fear for ESL students and one with which they could use a lot of practice. SCOLA expects volunteers to engage students in telephone conversation for at least one-half hour per week.