Volunteers are needed to assist English-speaking adults who want to improve their reading, writing, math or basic technology skills.  Previous teaching experience is not necessary and you do not need to have a College degree - you just need to enjoy working with people and have a strong desire to teach someone the joy of reading and writing. 

Other volunteer opportunities:

• Assist with computers and literacy software.  The Literacy Department needs people who are comfortable using computers to help participants use special literacy software in the Computer Lab.

• Office assistance, answering phones in the Literacy Annex.

• Help staff with events such as Families for Literacy programs. 

Tutors must be 18 years old. 

Opportunities for teens younger than 18 include: assisting children with computer skills, working with children in summer programs and assisting in the office.

For more information about literacy volunteer opportunities, please contact Myrna Montano: (760) 747-2233

Tutor Advisory Board

Escondido Public Library's Literacy Services Tutor Advisory Board consists of 6 members.  Board members serve for 2 years. 

GUYS READ Volunteer Opportunities

The following positions are for male volunteers only. Experience with children is preferred but not required. All positions require a six month commitment and a thorough background check.

Group Facilitators (weekdays-school hours)
Group facilitators work with 6th -8th grade boys at each GUYS READ session twice a week. Primary responsibilities for each facilitator will be to direct the Socratic seminar* discussions for each session to enable students to become actively engaged in the social aspect of reading.

*A Socratic seminar is a discussion group with outside viewers who are listening in to the discussion and taking notes. The outside group is not allowed to say anything all they can do is observe the dialogue and take notes unless they want to enter the ‘hot seat’ and then they can add to the discussion group. Once their piece has been addressed they must return to their seat.

Time Commitment: Five hours a week (Two lunch sessions per school site).

Event Facilitator (one Saturday a month-weekends)
Event facilitators plan activities for the GUYS READ Monthly Mash-Ups and Community Service Project. Each site has one Monthly Mash-Up , a weekend gathering at the Escondido Public Library or Community Center. During this time 40 boys per session will engage in activities that will focus on building self-esteem, confidence, team building activities, and accountability (i.e. trust falls, scavenger hunts, seminars, trivial pursuits, and crafts.)

Time Commitment: Five hours per weekend for the Monthly Mash-Up (Both sites get one Monthly Mash-Up per month.) A commitment of two to three hours for the Community Service Project. (Each site has at least one project per program year.)
 

FAQ for Tutors

• What qualifications do I need to become a tutor?
  Volunteer tutors must speak English, be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. The ability to work with a diverse population and the desire to help another succeed is necessary.
   
• Do I need previous tutoring experience to become a tutor?
  No.  Literacy staff will provide training and ongoing support to assist you in your tutoring experience.  We provide assessment in learner skill levels before matching individuals with tutors. Resources and materials will be available to you as well as refresher training and tutoring tips and techniques.
   
• Who are the learners?
  Learners are English speaking adults, 16 years or older who may either be native born speakers or have English as a second language.  Many are employed, have families, and all are committed to improving their lives.
   
• What kind of commitment do I have to make?
  We ask for a commitment of at least one year. Tutoring sessions are 1 1/2 hours, 2 times a week for a total of 3 hours per week. Tutors and learners arrange the days and times for their sessions.
   
• Where will I tutor?
  Tutoring space is provided at the Main Library, Branch Library and the Literacy Annex.  Computer literacy is provided at the Mathes Center Computer Lab, Branch Library and Literacy Annex.  In some instances, appointments may be necessary.
   
• How long do students remain in the program?
  Program services are focused around learner's objectives.  There is no time limit to how long a student is enrolled in the program.  Tutors and learners are periodically interviewed to assess progress and review learners' goals and objectives.  Students may be referred to other programs once they have achieved proficiency in their basic skills.