Type of Work: The volunteer ESL tutor helps non-English speaking adults acquire the ability to read,
speak, understand, and write English and to use those skills to meet individual needs.
Training: A 9-hour ESL Tutor Training class or appropriate experience is required. Participation in
periodic in-service training sessions (Tutor Roundtables) is strongly encouraged.
Place of Work: One-to-one or small group tutoring will occur at the Richardson Adult Literacy Center,
701 Beltline Rd, Building C, or in a public place in the community such as a church or library.
Hours: The volunteer ESL tutor and beginning student should meet twice a week for 1 to 1 1/2 hours
each time. Ideally, lessons should be separated by at least one day. More advanced students may be
scheduled for a longer session once a week. Conversation groups should meet weekly.
Duration of Work: A minimum commitment of six to nine months (fifty hours of instruction) will be
of most benefit to the student.
Duties:
• Provide encouragement and support by:
• Helping the student develop confidence and a positive attitude toward learning by affirming
his or her thinking and progress
• Helping the student set measurable goals
• Showing respect for the student by listening to what he/she has to say and by involving him/her
in the learning process.
• Selecting appropriate materials for the student’s skill level and interests. Encouraging the
student to respond to difficult materials by being supportive rather than critical of mistakes.
• Seeking to understand the psychological, emotional and physical problems that may cause a
student to have difficulty learning English and adapting to American culture.
• Meet regularly and punctually.
• Be well prepared for each lesson.
• Provide lessons that meet the student’s unique needs.
• Keep records of the student’s progress
6. Submit monthly reports of volunteer hours and student progress to the Richardson Adult
Literacy Center so that the student may be recognized for his/her work.
• Hours must be reported by the tenth of the month after reporting month.
• Tutor may use form at www.RALC.org and submit electronically.
• Or paper report, found in Tutor Training Manual, may be mailed.
