Prospective Tutors: Frequently Asked Questions
What does it take to be a Literacy Kansas City tutor?
We provide you with the professional training, materials, and support that enable you to teach someone to read. The tutor manuals offer step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. You receive 18 hours of training to help you feel prepared and comfortable in your role as a tutor. In addition, our experienced tutors and trainers are always available to provide you one-to-one support.
 
Do I need a teaching certificate to be a Literacy Kansas City tutor?
No! We provide all the training you need to become a great tutor!
 
What is my basic commitment to the program if I decide to tutor?
We ask tutors to commit to tutoring for a minimum of one year, holding sessions with your student twice per week for 90 minutes each session.
 
Where can I tutor my student?
We ask that all tutoring sessions occur in public places. Many pairs meet in our office and we provide tutors with a list of frequently used sites, such as public libraries. We will match you with a student who can meet you at a mutually agreeable time and location.
 
How can I learn more about being a Literacy Kansas City tutor?
Attend one of our Volunteer Orientations! See our Calendar for dates and how to RSVP.
 
What other opportunities are available if I am not ready to become a tutor at this time?
Check our Current Volunteer Listings for all of the opportunities we have to offer!
Tutor Training Workshops
prepare volunteer tutors to work one-on-one with functionally illiterate adults. Prior to being matched with a student, a literacy tutor is required to participate in the 18 hour Tutor Training Workshop. Attendance is required at all three parts of the workshop in order to become certified as a Literacy Kansas City tutor.
 
The workshop's focus is on preparing tutors to teach someone to read. We will discuss phonics, phonemic awareness, sensitivity to the adult student, setting goals and other teaching principles and techniques. 
 
A tutor is matched with a student at the second part of the workshop, and they begin working together soon after that. The third part of the training is scheduled 4-6 weeks after the second part to allow tutors time to meet with their students and to then come back and discuss their experiences and learn more tutoring techniques. In addition to the Tutor Training Workshop, tutors are required to attend at least one additional In-Service Workshop each year.
 
 
Call Haley Steiner at (816) 333-9332 or e-mail hsteiner@literacykc.org with questions or to register for an orientation or workshop.
 
For a full list of upcoming trainings and workshops, view our Calendar.
Current Tutors
Tools for Successful Tutoring

In-Service workshops are an important part of your Tutor Certification. Learn about teaching techniques, developing strategies to address your student's needs, and contribute to thought-provoking discussions!

Click here for a list of upcoming 
In-Service Workshops
Tutors: Please submit your Student Progress reports as a hard copy, via fax, or attached in an e-mail. Online submission has been disabled until further notice. Thank you for your understanding!
 
Click here for the PDF version.
Click here for the Word version.