For Tutors
Our Tutors Change Lives
Many adults with developmental disabilities are eager and motivated to improve their reading, writing, and communication skills. Educators and speech-language pathologists have the unique talents it takes to help them achieve their goals. If you are an educator dedicated to life-long learning, passionate about the power of literacy, and committed to improving the lives of adults with developmental disabilities – we want to hear from you! As a tutor for the Adult Literacy Ohio Program, you can do the work you love on a schedule that works for you.
Our tutors are independent contractors who set their hours and use their own materials. Tutors must be willing to work in person and are responsible for administering a pre-assessment, planning, and providing one-on-one instruction, and documenting progress. Sharing feedback with Adult Literacy Ohio staff, adult learners, and their families is also essential.
Enrollment for tutors is ongoing and we encourage you to submit an application at any time! Enrollment for learners is rolling and will remain open until all program spots have been filled. Applications are reviewed by the Adult Literacy Ohio Team in the order in which they are received.
To get started, complete the application by clicking the link below.*
*Immediate family members and those in the same household as an approved adult learner cannot apply to be tutors.
What Tutors Are Saying
Tutor Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can be a tutor?
Educators or speech-language pathologists with an active Ohio Department of Education license who are passionate about literacy and want to help adults improve their reading, writing, and communication skills are encouraged to join the platform! Retired educators are also welcome with a current BCI background check.*
*Immediate family members, or anyone living in the same household as an approved adult learner, cannot apply to be tutors. Immediate family members include the adult learner’s siblings, parents, or grandparents by blood, marriage, or adoption. Businesses cannot be tutors for the Adult Literacy Ohio Program. The site is built for individual contractors only. The person advertised on the platform must be the person who provides services. Tutors must commit to providing in-person services. Tutors are independent contractors and not employees of Adult Literacy Ohio.
Where do tutoring services take place?
Tutoring services take place in-person at a mutually agreed upon location determined by the learner and tutor during their introductory interview. Many of our learners meet in-home, while others meet in a neutral location such as the public library.
How do tutors get paid?
Tutors are paid every two weeks by direct deposit. Payroll reports are pulled from our online system. To be processed correctly, all sessions must be correctly coded, and a note must be on file for each paid session.
How are the pay rates structured?
*Contractor will not charge a lower hourly rate to any client outside of the program.
- Speech language therapists are welcome with submission of current credentials and a current BCI background check.
- Retired educators are welcome with proof of education and training and a current BCI background check.
- Literacy includes reading, writing, and communication.
Does Adult Literacy Ohio provide resources, materials, or curriculum?
Currently, we do not provide materials. Instead, we invest in recruiting educators and speech-language pathologists with access to tools and resources. We acknowledge that each adult learner has unique strengths and areas of growth. What may work well for one adult learner may be ineffective for another. The goal of this program is to provide a variety of options so that each adult learner has access to different choices.
How are goals and session content determined?
Goals should be developed in partnership with the adult learner and grounded in the Big 5 of reading instruction (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension). All goals fall under three overarching themes: community navigation, workforce development, or quality of life. Examples and a training video can be found in our Google Drive for Tutors that is accessible to all approved tutors. If you would like to view these materials prior to applying, please contact our team.
What happens if my adult learner is not making progress?
Please remember that adult learners in this program come in with various skill sets – and goals with participation. We trust you to use your professional discretion and expertise in implementing different strategies to see what is effective for your adult learner. That said, we know that progress can take time. Sometimes, tasks that seem to be mastered one week are forgotten the next, so regular review is needed. It is important to teach generalization of learning and skills to new situations. If you come to a point where the established goals are creating frustration and not fostering a positive relationship with literacy, do not hesitate to contact Adult Literacy Ohio. We can work together to develop new goals more compatible with the adult learner’s needs, desires, and strengths.
What is the timing of this commitment? How long are adult learners usually served in the program?
Learners are usually served between 6 –12 months, depending on program model and funding source. When you are matched with a learner, Adult Literacy Ohio staff will work with you to help you understand funding source and program trajectory. Learners or tutors can elect to stop services at any time, for any reason.
*Adult learners are never guaranteed to receive a grant, and grants can be removed if not used appropriately.
Can I offer group services?
No. The platform is only available for individual tutors to offer one-on-one services to adult learners.
Does Adult Literacy Ohio partner with businesses or organizations that provide educational services?
No. The platform is only available for independent contractors to add bios and offer one-on-one services to families. We do not partner with groups, organizations, or other businesses providing educational services.
Can I book sessions for adult learners?
No. Adult learners must book sessions through the site to pay for their services with their Adult Literacy Ohio grant. Tutors do not have access to this. If your adult learner needs assistance, please encourage them to reach out to our staff at info@adultliteracyohio.org.
Can I assign “homework” to my adult learner?
Absolutely! This is a great topic to discuss during an introductory interview. We refer to work outside of a tutoring session as an assignment. We recognize that repetition is essential to success and encourage you to include opportunities for independent practice outside of your scheduled sessions.