These are the most Frequently Asked Questions about becoming an Augustine 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 Augustine 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.
Do I pay to take the tutor training class?
Trainees pay $250, which covers a small portion of the class and ongoing education and support. Tutors keep all tutoring materials. For those trainees who find this investment prohibitive, a scholarship fund is available to offset the cost.
How long does training last?
The current training program consists of approximately 3.5 hours of pre-work and 5 concurrent days in class. Continuing education is offered monthly to all tutors.
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.
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 low income student. More than half of our tutors go beyond the 60 hour commitment, having developed meaningful relationships with their child. 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.
“The Augustine tutor training was fabulous. I learned something new every hour, and the ongoing support and training are superb.”
Augustine tutor