Randall from Los Angeles Public Library shared their volunteer on-boarding language and welcome message. When someone contacts them because they are interested in volunteering with the literacy program, they send them a welcome email that outlines the three types of positions we have available. Once the volunteer decides what type of position interests them, they call them in for an interview. If the interview goes well, they are then signed up for the online tutor training.
The email looks like this:
Hello,
*Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Adult Literacy Program at the Central Library. *
Below you’ll find descriptions of our three volunteer positions. Once you decide which position you’d like to pursue, call the center (213-228-7037 x0) to schedule an interview.
Walk-In Tutor Job Description
Position Overview and Impact:
Do you enjoy correcting people’s vocabulary and grammar? Instead of annoying friends and family, use your superpower to change a life! Adult learners with Adult Literacy Services at the Los Angeles Public
Library are waiting to meet volunteers who can coach them on the nuances of English. As a volunteer you will assist a diverse group of learners, each solo, for 15-20 minutes in a single two-hour volunteer session. Be a part of the team that is helping native-born and English language learners gain the skills and confidence to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Key Responsibilities:
● Sign up for a two-hour shift every week.
● Remain at designated table during your shift, be visible to learners and staff.
● Manage time wisely. Use the sign-in sheet, clipboard, and clock to manage waiting list. End sessions and shift on time, especially when another volunteer is scheduled after you.
● Assist learners one-on-one for 15-20 minutes with material they bring. This can include but is not limited to mail, bills, reading passages, computer applications, mobile phones, or conversation in which you gently and actively correct grammar, sentence structure and/or assist
with pronunciation.
● Take initiative. Actively seek out adult learners who are signed up. Warmly greet learners as they come in and inform them of how you are there to help.
● Identify common needs of adult learners and share with Literacy Coordinators.
Qualifications:
● Reliable. Staff members and the public count on walk-in tutors! Tutors must be punctual and be
able to fill assigned shifts.
● Friendly, courteous, and enthusiastic attitude.
● Patience and good communication skills. Ability and interest in working with culturally,
linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse groups of adult learners.
● Strong command of spoken and written English.
● Ability to meet deadlines and follow instructions.
● Knowledge and use of computers and email.
● Age 18 or older. Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent required.
Training and Support Provided: Training provided prior to first shift. Training includes general information about tutoring, materials available to support activity, and review of procedures and reporting. Walk-In Tutors will observe experienced walk-in tutors prior to beginning service. Staff always
available for consultation. Time Commitment: Minimum, two hours per week.Length of Commitment: Minimum, four months requested.
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Conversation Teacher Job Description
Position Overview and Impact:
Help English learning adults build confidence, language skills, and cultural knowledge needed to be successful. Share your love of the English language through interactive and engaging conversation in a small group setting that is welcoming and respectful. Conversation teachers facilitate a minimum of one 90 minute session one time per week. Be part of the team helping immigrants break language barriers and reach their dreams.
Key Responsibilities:
● Sign up for a 90 minute shift every week.
● Plan and facilitate discussion for groups of adults learning English as a second language; focus on skills required for success in personal and professional life.
● Aim for 70/30 learner/facilitator balance, focusing the session on exercises that foster participant conversation and pronunciation practice.
● Manage time wisely. Use the group discussion sign-in sheet and maintain accurate records. End on time, especially when another discussion or program is scheduled immediately after.
● Identify common needs of adult learners and share with Literacy Coordinators.
Qualifications
● Reliable. Staff members and the public count on conversation teachers! Conversation teachers must be punctual and be able to fill assigned shifts.
● Friendly, courteous, and enthusiastic attitude.
● Patience and good communication skills. Ability and interest in working with culturally, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse groups of adult learners.
● Strong command of spoken and written English.
● Ability to meet deadlines and follow instructions.
● Knowledge and use of computers and email.
● Age 18 or older. Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent required.
Training and Support Provided: Training provided prior to first shift. Training includes general information about leading discussions, overview of materials available to support activity, and review of procedures and reporting. Conversation Teachers will observe experienced Conversation Teachers prior to beginning service. Staff always available for consultation.
Time Commitment: Ninety minute session per week plus time spent planning.
Length of Commitment: Minimum four months requested.
One-on-one Tutor
Position Overview and Impact:
Nearly one million adults in Los Angeles lack basic literacy skills. Change a life by becoming a volunteer with Adult Literacy Services at the Los Angeles Public Library. Volunteers are trained and then matched with a native speaker of English or a non-native English-speaker. Tutors coach a minimum of a 90-minute session, two times a week at the library. Be part of the team that helps adults gain the skills and confidence to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Key Responsibilities:
● Tutor an adult to reach learner-identified personal and professional literacy goals.
● Advise learners on study and life skills to encourage independent learning.
● Take the time to reflect and plan; come to sessions prepared to actively engage with learners.
● Share information with learners about library services, programs, and use of resources.
● Maintain contact with staff members regarding concerns, questions, and needs.
Qualifications:
● Reliable. Tutors are punctual, come prepared, and maintain accurate records.
● Patient. Tutors learn and employ best practices for tutoring adults in basic literacy skills.
● Compassionate. Tutors are culturally competent and sensitive to learner’s needs.
● Positive attitude. Tutors are friendly, courteous, and enthusiastic when encouraging learners.
● Creative. Tutors take initiate to prepare engaging sessions, adjusting based in learner feedback.
● Strong command of spoken and written English.
● Ability to meet deadlines and follow instructions.
● Knowledge and use of computers and email.
● Age 18 or older. Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent required.
Training and Support Provided: All training is provided free to the volunteer. Six-hour online training required prior to placement with a learner. Additional coaching and ongoing education provided. Staff always available for consultation and support.
Time Commitment: Minimum two 90-minute sessions per week.
Length of Commitment: Minimum six month commitment, twelve month commitment preferred.
