SCHOOLS OF HOPE PROJECT
ELEMENTARY VOLUNTEER TUTOR JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE: Schools of Hope Volunteer Tutor
SUPERVISOR: Tutor Coordinator
SITE: Madison, Sun Prairie, and Middleton Area Elementary Schools and After-School Programs
OBJECTIVE:
 To assist children enrolled in 4K through the fifth grade in developing reading and math skills. The
tutor will also act to enhance self-esteem and confidence in the child through patience and
encouragement.
 To participate in a widespread community initiative coordinated by the United Way of Dane
County, AmeriCorps, Madison Metropolitan School District and other partners.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
 Commit to a minimum of one hour a week for one academic semester or year of service.
 Assist children in reading, writing, and other literacy-based skills, as well as math, in cooperation
with the teaching staff.
 Tutor at least two students in weekly one-on-one literacy or math sessions. (Goal is to provide at
least 15 sessions for each student in the course of the school year.)
 Complete a tutor log following each session. Information needs to be as accurate as possible
because it is used to satisfy the requirements of our grant.
 Direct any questions or concerns to the tutor coordinator stationed at your school, preferably via email or voicemail.
 Notify the tutor coordinator in advance if you are expecting to be absent. If a tutor consistently
does not fulfill his/her responsibilities, the tutor coordinator will seek to make other arrangements
with the tutor or to dismiss him/her.
QUALIFICATIONS:
 Ability to read and write proficiently in the language in which they tutor.
 Interest in and comfort with working with 4K through fifth grade students.
ORIENTATION AND TRAINING:
 The tutor coordinator will be available to discuss and to address any concerns.
 Supplemental handouts, manuals, and videos will be made available related to reading and math
skills and on dealing with children of varying ages and backgrounds.
 Training opportunities will be made available for elementary tutors throughout the year. Trainings
will provide the basics of tutoring as well as more advanced sessions for tutors who have had
previous tutoring experiences.
BENEFITS:
 Volunteer tutors will be given the opportunity to develop a meaningful relationship with a child by
assisting that child in developing an essential skill for future academic success.
 Tutors will receive relevant experience for careers in education, childcare, and literacy-related
fields.
 To ensure the needs of the tutors are met, the tutor coordinator will act as a tutor advocate.
 Knowing that your time and energy are making a difference in a child’s life.
Expectations of Tutors
1. Complete the required application paperwork and attend orientation and training sessions as needed.
2. Be prompt and dependable. Please notify the school tutor coordinator if you cannot come at your
scheduled time. Communication by e-mail or voicemail is preferred.
3. Sign in and out upon arrival and departure according to school procedures. Wear your nametag for
identification.
4. Communicate. Ask questions, share ideas, get to know the staff and other volunteers. The tutor
coordinator is there to help--don’t hesitate to call, leave a note, or ask for a meeting to discuss any
problems or concerns that may arise. Every problem is solvable with respectful, honest communication.
5. Support the work of the classroom teacher and school staff. The volunteer’s role is one of assistance.
6. Be a positive role model for children in attitude, behavior, language, and dress. Let your conversations
demonstrate respect for others, and avoid language that may be perceived as discriminatory, sexist, or
offensive.
7. Be respectful of children’s diversity of culture, religion, and background. Don’t assume the child
celebrates the same holidays (Christmas, Easter, Halloween, or even birthdays). Also don’t assume the
make-up of a child’s “family” (size, race, or gender). Practice correct pronunciation and spelling of the
children’s names if they are unfamiliar. Show interest in the student(s’) cultures, and learn more about
those cultures.
8. Be confidential. Respect the confidential nature of the knowledge you gain concerning the academic
performance, behavior and personal information of the children with whom you work. Discuss concerns
with the teacher or tutor coordinator, not with other volunteers, parents, or acquaintances.
9. Maintain contact only in school setting. Do not initiate contact with the children with whom you work or
their families outside of the school or program setting.
10. Protect privacy. Do not ask for a student’s address or phone number, and do not share yours with the
student(s). Please do not take a photo of the child you tutor. If you are provided a photo of the child by a
staff person, please do not share the photo on Facebook, photo libraries, or other forums that are
accessible to others.
11. Gifts for students are inappropriate. Don’t bring gifts or food treats for individual children. With teacher
approval, volunteers may bring snacks for the entire classroom (for the teacher to distribute when
appropriate) or they may make a donation of books or supplies for the classroom.
12. Follow “safe touch” suggestions. Volunteers do not initiate touching a child (hand-holding, hugs, lapsitting), but may respond to child’s initiation of appropriate touch. Respecting a child’s right to say “no,”
volunteers can ask a child if he/she would like a hug.
13. Notify the teacher, principal, or social worker if a child tells you something or you notice something that
may indicate his/her safety is at risk or he/she is in emotional distress. Staff will do the necessary followup.
14. Ensure positive closure. If you plan on ending your volunteer involvement before the end of the school
year, please notify your teacher and the tutor coordinator. It is especially important that the student is
aware of your final tutoring session. The child needs to be left with the clear message that you have
enjoyed working with him/her.