Volunteer Tutor

Volunteer Tutor

How to Become a Tutor

Follow the steps below to become a Read Write Now volunteer tutor. 

Step 1 - The Application Form

If you would like to be a tutor, please read our tutor rights & responsibilities, the Read Write Now privacy policy  and complete the tutor application form. We prefer applicants to be over 22 years of age.

Your submitted application will be forwarded to your Regional Coordinator who will contact you in the next couple of days to arrange an interview at your local library. At the interview the Coordinator will discuss with you your interests and background as this is an important part of matching you with a student. You will also be made aware of the responsibilities that go with being a tutor, including training and making a commitment to the Program for at least 12 months.
 

Please ring 1800 018 802 if you have any questions.

Step 2 - Meet your local Coordinator

You will be contacted by a Coordinator in your region, who is also a volunteer, to arrange an interview. At the interview the Coordinator will discuss with you your interests and background as this is an important part of matching you with a student. You will also be made aware of the responsibilities that go with being a tutor, including training and making a commitment to the Program for at least 12 months.

Step 3 - Police Check

Government regulations insist that as of 2008, all adults (both volunteer and paid) who work with 'vulnerable people' must have a Police Check. The term 'vulnerable people' not only includes children and the elderly, it has been deemed to also include those with low literacy levels. It is therefore compulsory that all Read Write Now tutors have a Police Check. This is done at no expense to you. You will be asked to provide appropriate identification at the interview stage. A previous conviction does not necessarily disqualify you.

Step 4 - Training Course

Tutor Training

All Read Write Now tutors complete a training course. For tutors in the metropolitan area, this is a combination of face-to-face and online training. Regional tutors attend online training sessions.  Training is provided free of charge.

The tutor training is designed to give tutors ideas and strategies to confidently assist adult students. Topics covered include: reading, spelling and writing, lesson and program planning, adult learning principles and approaches to assisting students from a culturally and linguistically diverse background (CaLD). 

"The course is so enlightening on how to assist people with their literacy challenges. The philosophy of setting up students for success is brilliant and infectious" Tutor, Catherine

Professional Development

Read Write Now offers specialist workshops throughout the year for tutors to attend to increase their skills and expand their personal and professional networks. 

"I've been tutoring for nearly a year now! I've used your training, materials and advice extensively, and think of you often, with much gratitude!" Tutor, Lucy 

 

Step 5 - Become a Tutor

Becoming a tutor is a 'no pay' job but it is definitely not a 'no perks' job. You will receive professional training, have the support of your Coordinator and the Central Office team and have access to a varied range of resources. You will have the opportunity to gain as much knowledge as you want and develop both professional and personal skills.

One of the real 'perks' of being a Read Write Now volunteer tutor is sharing in the success of your student. Read more about what students have achieved in Student Stories.