Project Second Chance Tutor Application

Thank you for your interest in becoming an adult literacy tutor! Please read the information below before submitting the application at the bottom of the page.

Project Second Chance (PSC) is the Contra Costa County Library Adult Literacy Program. Under the supervision and guidance of PSC staff, volunteer tutors provide free, confidential, one-on-one basic literacy instruction to English-speaking adults who wish to improve their reading, writing and spelling skills.

Tutor duties include determining your student's reading and writing goals, selecting appropriate materials, preparing lessons, meeting for regular tutoring sessions, and reporting monthly on your student's progress. If you have an interest, you might also assist in the PSC Computer Learning Lab.

Tutor Qualifications
  • At least 21 years of age.
  • Comfortable with your own reading skills and able to clearly communicate verbally and in writing in English.
  • Empathetic, patient, and willing to learn new skills.
  • Able to attend all 14 hours of basic tutor training, plus an additional 6 hours if you wish to tutor an adult with a learning disability such as dyslexia. No degrees or diplomas are necessary, and there are no tests!
Tutor Commitment
  • Meet your student at a public location (usually the library).
  • Work with your student twice a week for 90 minutes each lesson, and dedicate time for preparing lessons and travel time.
  • Make at least a one-year commitment to the program.
Student Information
  • Students must be over 16 years of age and out of K-12 school. Most are between 35 and 55 years of age.
  • Most can read and write to some degree, but not well enough to achieve their goals in life. The average PSC student reads at a 3rd grade level.
  • Approximately 50% are native English speakers.
  • Approximately 50% are non-native English speakers, but they must be able to converse with their tutor in English.
  • About 50% have a high school diploma.
  • They come from a variety of economic levels.
Tutor Training
  • Training is designed for people with no teaching experience, but it also helps experienced teachers understand the differences between working with an adult and a child.
  • Training is offered three times a year. All tutor trainings are held at the PSC office in Pleasant Hill.
  • Although it is not required, a donation of $15 to offset the cost of training supplies and refreshments is appreciated.
Matching Tutors and Students
  • Many factors are considered in making a match: time, location, student needs and tutor preferences. Generally the more flexible you can be, the easier it is to pair you with a suitable student.
  • Both tutors and students have the right to decline a match for any reason.

PSC Tutor Application


I am available to tutor any of these times (You will only be tutoring twice a week, but please check all times that apply. Limited availability may impact our ability to enroll you in tutor training and match you with a student.)
  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Morning
Afternoon
Evening

I am available to tutor in any of these cities (Please check all that apply. Limited locations may impact our ability to enroll you in tutor training and match you with a student.)
 
 

Please check your response to the following statements
  Yes No
I am 21 years of age or older.
I am willing to work with an adult student twice a week for 90 minutes per lesson.
In addition to lesson time, I understand there will be lesson preparation and travel time.
I am willing to make a 1-year commitment to tutoring and adult student.
I am willing to attend all 14 hours of basic tutor training, plus an additional 6 hours of training if I wish to work with a learning disabled student.
   



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