Serving the community since 1975.
Making a difference in someone’s life can make all of the difference in your own!

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Confidentiality Policy

It is the policy of the Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts to maintain strict confidentiality of student and volunteer records and information.

All information, including personally identifiable information, about individual students and volunteers shall not be shared with any entities or parties outside of the Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts or the Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts without prior written consent from the student and/or volunteer that shall include a list of information to be released and instructions about its use. Once records are released, the Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts has no control over them.
Student and volunteer records shall be kept in locked files and/or a secured computer in the Literacy Volunteers office.
General statistical information may be released anonymously.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what level will my student speak English?

The range of English competency levels is very broad. Some of our students cannot respond to a simple question. Others can read English well but are unable to hold a conversation. A few of our students can manage everyday situations but do not know enough English to advance at work.
During your training, you’ll have the chance to state your preferences for a high or low level student, and we will try to honor your preferences in matching you, depending on the students waiting for a tutor at the time of your match.

How do students hear about LVM?

Students hear about LVM from a variety of sources, mostly by word of mouth from friends, relatives or other students; public service announcements; social service agencies; other adult educations programs and homeless shelters.

How are they prepared for tutoring?

Students come to LVM for an initial intake interview during which a trained volunteer takes a personal history and information about interests, learning styles and tutor preferences. An assessment is also conducted to determine the student’s skill level. The tutor will receive a copy of interview and assessment information.

How are tutors matched?

During your training, you will have the opportunity to indicate you location, schedule and teaching preferences. In making a match, we also take into account any special teaching expertise you may have as well as any common interests and learning styles you share with your student. Finally, we attempt to match people who appear to be compatible. The student’s interview information is shared with you (minus any identifying data) and with the potential student (minus any identifying data) who also must approve the match. If both sides approve, then the tutor is given the student’s name and telephone number.

Where should we meet?

Pairs meet at a public place, such as the local public library, or a coffee shop.

What kind of support will I have after I’m matched?

Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts provides professional support via regular telephone/e-mail contact, personal appointments, a quarterly newsletter, in-service training sessions and meetings, a reference/lending library of materials and an annual recognition event. Remember, the office is only a phone call or an e-mail away (508.765.3880 or trilitvol@verizon.net) and we will be happy to discuss your tutoring situation, and to assist you in any way possible.

Volunteer Job Description

Responsibilities

Prepare individualized lessons for the student
Notify program coordinator if problems arise or if you or your student has a change in status or contact information
Complete necessary reporting forms in a timely manner and participate in program evaluation activities
Utilize Literacy Volunteers’ office and library resources to create a more efficient learning environment for the student
Ensure student centered lessons which are designed to assist the student in the achievement of their documented goals

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent
Successful completion of 18 hour tutor training and 2 hour orientation
Able to create a flexible, responsive, non-threatening and respectful learning experience for your student
Able to work with diverse groups
Sensitive to the struggles of adult learners, especially those with limited literacy and English language skills

Commitment

Tutor a student for 2 hours per week for a minimum of 9 months
Attend at least 1 Literacy Volunteers sponsored tutor in-service or professional development event per year
Sign volunteer agreement outlining responsibilities

All volunteer positions are supervised and supported by the Program Director and staff. Director is available during posted office hours, as well as by appointment, for both tutors and students.


Serving the community since 1975. Making a difference in someone’s life can make all of the difference in your own!
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Confidentiality Policy It is the policy of the Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts to maintain strict confidentiality of student and volunteer records and information. All information, including personally identifiable information, about individual students and volunteers shall not be shared with any entities or parties outside of the Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts or the Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts without prior written consent from the student and/or volunteer that shall include a list of information to be released and instructions about its use. Once records are released, the Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts has no control over them. Student and volunteer records shall be kept in locked files and/or a secured computer in the Literacy Volunteers office. General statistical information may be released anonymously.	Frequently Asked Questions At what level will my student speak English? The range of English competency levels is very broad. Some of our students cannot respond to a simple question. Others can read English well but are unable to hold a conversation. A few of our students can manage everyday situations but do not know enough English to advance at work. During your training, you’ll have the chance to state your preferences for a high or low level student, and we will try to honor your preferences in matching you, depending on the students waiting for a tutor at the time of your match. How do students hear about LVM? Students hear about LVM from a variety of sources, mostly by word of mouth from friends, relatives or other students; public service announcements; social service agencies; other adult educations programs and homeless shelters. How are they prepared for tutoring? Students come to LVM for an initial intake interview during which a trained volunteer takes a personal history and information about interests, learning styles and tutor preferences. An assessment is also conducted to determine the student’s skill level. The tutor will receive a copy of interview and assessment information. How are tutors matched? During your training, you will have the opportunity to indicate you location, schedule and teaching preferences. In making a match, we also take into account any special teaching expertise you may have as well as any common interests and learning styles you share with your student. Finally, we attempt to match people who appear to be compatible. The student’s interview information is shared with you (minus any identifying data) and with the potential student (minus any identifying data) who also must approve the match. If both sides approve, then the tutor is given the student’s name and telephone number. Where should we meet? Pairs meet at a public place, such as the local public library, or a coffee shop. What kind of support will I have after I’m matched? Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts provides professional support via regular telephone/e-mail contact, personal appointments, a quarterly newsletter, in-service training sessions and meetings, a reference/lending library of materials and an annual recognition event. Remember, the office is only a phone call or an e-mail away (508.765.3880 or trilitvol@verizon.net) and we will be happy to discuss your tutoring situation, and to assist you in any way possible.	Volunteer Job Description Responsibilities Prepare individualized lessons for the student Notify program coordinator if problems arise or if you or your student has a change in status or contact information Complete necessary reporting forms in a timely manner and participate in program evaluation activities Utilize Literacy Volunteers’ office and library resources to create a more efficient learning environment for the student Ensure student centered lessons which are designed to assist the student in the achievement of their documented goals Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent Successful completion of 18 hour tutor training and 2 hour orientation Able to create a flexible, responsive, non-threatening and respectful learning experience for your student Able to work with diverse groups Sensitive to the struggles of adult learners, especially those with limited literacy and English language skills Commitment Tutor a student for 2 hours per week for a minimum of 9 months Attend at least 1 Literacy Volunteers sponsored tutor in-service or professional development event per year Sign volunteer agreement outlining responsibilities All volunteer positions are supervised and supported by the Program Director and staff. Director is available during posted office hours, as well as by appointment, for both tutors and students.