Question 1

How often do one-to-one Tutors meet with learners?

Accepted Answer

We ask pairs to commit to meeting two times a week, 90 minutes per session, for one year.

Question 2

How often do Classroom Assistants volunteer?

Accepted Answer

We will place you in a classroom that works with your schedule. We ask that you commit for at least one full school quarter.

Question 3

Where do one-to-one Tutor/Learner pairs meet?

Accepted Answer

Pairs meet at public locations throughout Whatcom County including the community colleges, libraries, grocery stores, coffee shops and more. Coordinators will assist in finding a mutually convenient location.

Question 4

Where do classroom assistants volunteer?

Accepted Answer

You may be placed in a classroom at Whatcom Community College, Bellingham Technical College, or in Small Group Classes for the Whatcom Literacy Council, which are held all over Whatcom County. Let us know what your preferred location is.

Question 5

I am still in high school, can I be a tutor?

Accepted Answer

No. Tutors must be over 18 years old and have obtained a high school diploma or a G.E.D.

Question 6

I’m not sure which program would be a better fit for me. How do I decide between ALP tutoring, ELL tutoring, and Small Group Classroom facilitation?

Accepted Answer

During the interview with our staff person, you can discuss the different programs and how your interests and skills would fit in each program. However if you are flexible, we can place you in the program with the highest need.

Question 7

Do you provide training?

Accepted Answer

Tutors and Small Group Classroom Facilitators complete two rounds of training: the first is conducted online; the second is conducted in person. After you have been placed, we provide full ongoing support, training, and ready access to our Program Coordinators for consultations.

Question 8

How are tutors and learners matched?

Accepted Answer

The matching process for one-to-one tutoring takes time and coordination. Our Program Coordinators take many factors into consideration, including availability schedule, preferred location, gender, personality traits, work experience, and personal interests, among other aspects.

Question 9

How long does it take for Tutors and Small Group Classroom Facilitators to be placed?

Accepted Answer

Tutors and Small Group Facilitators are often placed within a few weeks after attending training. At times it may take longer, especially if you have limited availability. Your Program Coordinator will communicate with you to help you understand why the placement process may be taking longer than expected.

Question 10

How long does it take for a Classroom Assistant to be placed?

Accepted Answer

We will place you in the classroom with the most need for volunteers. This will likely be at the start of the next school quarter.

Question 11

As a one-to-one Tutor, will I be given curriculum to teach, or do I create the lessons myself?

Accepted Answer

After training, it is up to the Tutor to prepare appropriate lessons based on their learner’s goals. Your Program Coordinator will make recommendations for online/print resources and techniques that can be used with your learner, all of which are available through the Whatcom Literacy Council's in-house library or the Whatcom County Library System.

Question 12

What type of support is available once I begin working with my learner(s)?

Accepted Answer

Our Program Coordinators are available for ongoing support as needed. If you have questions about lesson planning, resources, or would like to troubleshoot an issue you or your learner(s) are having, simply contact your Program Coordinator by e-mail, phone, or set up an appointment to meet in person.

Question 13

Do I have to be an expert in English grammar?

Accepted Answer

No. Our learners are studying basic skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening and computing. No expertise in grammar tutoring is necessary.

Question 14

Do I need to speak the same language as my learners?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! During our training sessions, you will learn instructional methods that do not require using the learner’s first language.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Volunteers

Interested in becoming a volunteer with Whatcom Literacy Council? Find answers to the most common questions below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) FOR VOLUNTEERS

How often do one-to-one Tutors meet with learners?

How often do Classroom Assistants volunteer?

Where do one-to-one Tutor/Learner pairs meet?

Where do classroom assistants volunteer?

I am still in high school, can I be a tutor?

I’m not sure which program would be a better fit for me. How do I decide between ALP tutoring, ELL tutoring, and Small Group Classroom facilitation?

Do you provide training?

How are tutors and learners matched?

How long does it take for Tutors and Small Group Classroom Facilitators to be placed?

How long does it take for a Classroom Assistant to be placed?

As a one-to-one Tutor, will I be given curriculum to teach, or do I create the lessons myself?

What type of support is available once I begin working with my learner(s)?

Do I have to be an expert in English grammar?

Do I need to speak the same language as my learners?

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info@whatcomliteracy.org

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