Tutor training is the heart of a quality volunteer literacy program and ongoing opportunities are a must. But, in this busy world, it is hard to get tutors together for face to face tutor in-service.
What is a volunteer program manager to do???? First, don't give up. Be creative.
Tutors must be supported to be effective, and training is one of the most important tools you have. Tutors may quit if they feel they don't know enough to do the job.
There are many ways you can support tutors. Share magazine articles electronically with those who work away from your main office. Provide a paper file and bulletin board at sites where several tutors work. Your library can help you find articles. Encourage tutors to participate in list serves or similar online discussions. Match a newer tutor with an experienced tutor. Ask them to connect regularly by phone, over lunch or even by Twitter!
Tell them about online trainings appropriate for your program. Then, reward them for taking the training. As part of your recognition, award those who attend the most in-service.
Check out videos and other free resources on the Internet, including this VALF blog and our WIKI.
Utilize online training sessions in a consistent way. Work with each tutor to develop an in-service training plan. Keep track of trainings tutors attend. Some might say this is just as important as documenting student attendance and hours of instruction. Include a way for tutors to discuss what they read or learn. Remember, tutors, like students, learn best if they have ways to discuss tutoring techniques with others to help internalize what they learn.
Go to our wiki for ideas and links to tutor support and online instruction available. We just added a link to short online videos on comprehension.
Please add comments about what tutor in-service you have found effective. Also recommend online instruction your tutors have found most effective.
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