for volunteer Tutors

Become a Volunteer Tutor

As a volunteer tutor with Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester, you have the opportunity to directly change the life of your student.
Our students are primarily adult immigrants and refugees who wish to improve their English so that they can gain better employment, further their education, become US citizens, and strive for financial stability. We also serve English-speaking adults seeking to improve their literacy skills.

Volunteer Tutor Qualifications

Eighteen years or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent

A desire to help adult learners with English language education

Complete our information session and 18-hour tutor training

Work with a student weekly for 2 hours for a minimum of 12 months

How to Become a Volunteer Tutor

Step 1: Attend a 1-hour Volunteer Tutor Information Session

Learn about our program, what tutoring involves, and the next steps to get started. Information sessions are held monthly on Zoom.

Step 2: Complete the 18-hour Tutor Training Program

Two different training pathways are offered:

ESOL – help someone learn the English language
Basic Literacy – help someone with limited literacy improve their reading and writing ability

Step 3: Match with a Student

Toward the end of the training, we match each tutor with a student. Careful thought and consideration goes into every match and our staff continues to guide tutors throughout the tutoring process – providing encouragement, assistance with lesson plans, teaching materials, workshops, and free access to professional development with SABES and ProLiteracy.

Volunteer Tutor FAQs & Resources

Find answers to common questions about tutoring, program expectations, training, reporting, and available support. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for guidance along the way, you’ll find helpful information here.

“As an LVGW volunteer tutor and board member, I’ve seen firsthand how adult education changes lives. One of my students passed the State Insurance Adjuster Licensing Exam and went on to work for a major insurance company in Boston. Another student went from knowing very little English to landing jobs requiring English proficiency and performing a speaking role in a local production of Hamlet. In Worcester County, nearly 1 in 6 adults struggles with basic literacy, limiting access to jobs and opportunity. Your support helps adult learners gain the English and literacy skills needed to build brighter futures for themselves and their families.”

Peter Russell

LVGW Volunteer Tutor & Board Member

Support Our Free English Language and Literacy Programs

Every donation helps sustain our free English language classes and personalized tutoring services, directly supporting immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and adult learners across Greater Worcester as they build language skills, confidence, and opportunities for a brighter future.