Help an Adult Improve Everyday Reading/Writing Skills: Become a Literacy Tutor! Training Provided

Save to Favorites

Help empower an adult in your community to reach their potential by tutoring them in basic reading, writing, and numeracy skills for everyday life, work, future education, and increased self-esteem.
This part of our tutoring program is geared towards native English speakers, although we serve English language learners as well. Learn more about the learners who join our program in their own words by watching the video below.

You do not need to be a teacher or even have a college degree to be an effective tutor for this program. We're looking for tutors who are empathetic, patient, and creative thinkers and problem-solvers so that this can translate to creative, learner-centered peer teaching (not top-down, tutor/teacher-centered teaching).

We are focusing on in-person tutoring again for this program area as it is generally easier and more productive for lower level adult learners.

Note: Due to the time it takes to complete training and to find a learner who is a good match, this is not a quick-start opportunity, and we ask for a 6-month minimum commitment from both tutor and learner.

Did you know?

• An estimated 230,000 adults in Sacramento County need to improve their reading and writing skills to better help themselves, their families, and their communities.
• Of those adults who are unemployed, 75% have reading and writing difficulties.
• According to the National Institute for Literacy, 20% of the adults in Sacramento County have difficulty with reading, writing, and computational skills necessary to function in everyday life.
• The average adult learner in our program is between 30 and 50 years old, but the age range is very broad.

What can you do?

Consider being a tutor if you are 21 or older, able to read, write, and speak English clearly; have basic computer skills; and are willing to do the following:

• Tutor at least once a week for 1-2 hours each session, plus some lesson-planning;
• Commit to a minimum of 6 months or longer;
• Complete pre-service tutor training and orientation;
• Complete monthly tutor reports online;
• Participate in tutor in-service meetings throughout the year to reinforce your tutoring skills.

• After completing pre-training, a tutor is matched with an adult learner based on preferred location(s) and day/time availability.
• Tutoring takes place at any of the 28 library branches, or at some other public location; or remotely/virtually, via basic phone call or video call, etc.
• Basic materials for tutor and learner are provided for free.
• Literacy staff provides assistance and support as learners progress through the program.
• A tutor may work with more than one learner individually if the tutor wishes.