Volunteer with us.
One-on-One Volunteering
We match one adult literacy learner with one volunteer tutor based on schedule, location, and other preferences. Learners’ levels, needs, and interests will vary. Training and materials are provided. To learn how to get involved, contact Crystal Gimesh, Adult Basic Education Program Manager at (615) 298-8061 or click the button below.
Help our learners change their lives.
One in five Nashville adults lives with low literacy levels. We’re working to change that statistic one learner at a time through our volunteer program. As a volunteer, you commit to working with one learner for at least three months, once or twice a week. NALC will provide training and ongoing support, but our learners’ goals are our priority and instruction must focus on meeting learner needs. Read a detailed description of our Literacy Tutor requirements here.
Register now for a Literacy Tutor training over Zoom!
What can you expect as a literacy tutor?
Instruction Determined by Learners
Staff works with students to craft an individualized learning plan. Lessons are learner-driven, but may include any combination of:
phonemic awareness
phonics
grammar
vocabulary
reading comprehension
writing
editing
NALC currently provides printed materials as well as Learning Upgrade, an online educational program. Other instructional aids and reading materials may be used depending on learner needs. In addition, students choose their own supplementary reading and writing materials.
Learners range from complete beginners (little to no literacy, kindergarten level) to more intermediate readers (middle - high school levels). Learners may have a variety of needs including comprehension, vocabulary, HiSET preparation, and more. NALC staff will work with students to develop a learning plan that will then be shared with tutors along with any educational materials. All learners are independent adults whose first-language is English. If you’re interested in tutoring an English Learner, visit our ELL services.
Time Commitment & Preferences
You set a convenient, recurring time to meet and we will pair you with a learner whose schedule matches. Literacy tutors meet with learners about one to three hours per week. We suggest meeting once or twice a week for one hour per session. Tutors are required to commit to meet with their learner for at least three months. Of course, this doesn’t mean that a week cannot be missed; we understand people go out of town and things come up.
We try to respect other preferences such as gender, age, and interest, where appropriate.
Meeting Locations
All NALC tutoring must occur in a public place or remotely over computer, phone, or tablet. If meeting virtually, we suggest Zoom, but you are welcome to use other platforms. Tutors and learners are both required to provide their own transportation to in-person tutoring sessions. If tutoring virtually, tutors must provide their own devices. A tutor and learner may choose to socialize outside of their tutoring sessions. These occasions are independent of our program.
Training for Tutors
All tutors must attend training, regardless of background or experience. Staff provides ongoing support for volunteers and are available to address any issues or answer any questions you might have. If tutoring virtually, a certain level of knowledge and comfort with the technology you’ll be using is expected, but more detailed training can be provided.
Training focuses on curriculum and teaching best practices.