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Tutor Job Description

"There is no substitute for books in the life of a child." (1952) ~Mary Ellen Chase

America Reads tutors work one-on-one with students during the regular school day or with groups of students in after school programs on improving their reading skills. Tutors work with the student's teacher to develop lesson plans, which meet the needs of their student. Tutoring activities include, but are not limited to, reading aloud to students, providing students a chance to practice reading, and facilitating activities to improve specific skills such as fluency and comprehension. Tutors also serve as role models providing students with the encouragement and support needed to improve student's self-confidence and love for reading. To promote progress in reading, tutors keep a regular tutoring schedule with students meeting at least twice a week and regularly maintaining communication with teachers. America Reads tutors are not qualified to provide direct instruction to students, but are there to enhance learning that has already taken place in the classroom.

Job Requirements include the following

• Making and keeping a regular schedule of tutoring days and times with teachers
• Working in partnership with teachers to establish goals for each student and to keep open lines of communication with the sponsoring teacher
• Preparing and conducting lessons for each tutoring session based on student need and teacher suggestions
• Attending all bi-monthly tutor training meetings
• Being a responsible tutor in the schools and at training sessions

Training
To meet President Clinton's standards of providing quality tutoring to enhance students' reading abilities, tutors must attend bimonthly training sessions. At these sessions, tutors will learn about the needs facing their community and how they can meet those needs. Tutors will share with each other their own experiences and will receive and discuss strategies to use with their students.

Transportation
Tutors are required to supply their own transportation to and from the schools and to and from training sessions held on campus. Most schools are on either the KU bus route or the city's transportation route.

Communication
All tutors are required to have an email address and must check it often to receive meeting reminders and valuable information. Sometimes a response is requested in these emails.

School Cooperation
Part of being a role model means complying with school dress codes and rules. Information on these matters will be supplied at tutor training sessions. If questions arise, please contact your supervising teacher or your America Reads coordinator. Remember that America Reads tutors are not qualified to provide direct instruction to students, but are there to enhance learning that has already taken place in the classroom. Therefore, cooperation and communication with teachers is paramount.

Compensation
Tutors receive $9.25 an hour. They are paid for time they spend tutoring, preparing for a lesson, and attending required training sessions. This does not include driving time to and from schools. Questions should be directed to the America Reads coordinator. Paychecks are issued through the University of Kansas every two weeks.

 

 

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