These are the most Frequently Asked Questions about becoming an ALP Tutor. If you don’t see the question/answer you’re looking for below, please contact us directly!
Do I have to be an educator or former educator?
No. While many of our tutors were drawn to ALP because of previous teaching or volunteering experience and the desire to learn a more systematic and successful approach, many tutors come to us without previous experience.
How long does training last?
ALP Tutor Training consists of pre-work, flexible training days and a practicum. Training for virtual* tutors is virtual and training for in-person tutors is in-person at the ALP office in Uptown Charlotte. Continuing education is offered monthly to all tutors at our ALP Learning Collaborative. (*virtual training is for virtual tutors only)
What is covered in training?
Training is a combination of classroom time and several practicum lessons with a student. Trainees are taught how to assess a student’s literacy needs, how to develop a lesson plan and how to pace the lessons.
Will I really be ready to do this after training?
Yes! You will have the materials, training, and practice needed to feel confident about teaching a struggling reader. You will also have the ongoing support of a Site Coordinator and continuing education opportunities.
Is there a service commitment expected of me?
Yes. Each of our volunteer tutors commits to providing a minimum of 60 sessions of pro bono literacy tutoring to a under-resourced student. The majority of ALP Tutors go beyond the 60 hour commitment, having seen the difference ALP tutoring makes. It takes about a school year and a half to complete the 60 sessions.
May I tutor at a school of my choice?
We strongly encourage trainees to tutor at an ALP partner school but we will work with you to find a school that is convenient. Each of our partner schools has an ALP Site Coordinator who provides ongoing support to the tutors.
How do I find a student to tutor?
ALP Site Coordinators facilitate the process of matching tutors with students at our partner schools.
Can I train virtually to be an in-person tutor?
We offer two options for tutor training, and each is specific to the type of tutoring that the volunteer will be doing. Virtual training is for tutors who will work with students remotely (i.e., virtual tutoring ). In-person training is designed for tutors who will work with students in person.
(updated 9-26-22)
“The ALP Tutor training was fabulous. I learned something new every hour, and the ongoing support and training are superb.”
ALP Tutor