Literacy Chicago

Menu
Become a Tutor for Literacy Chicago

Lend a Neighborly Hand and Help Other Chicagoans Succeed

Apply to be A Volunteer
Create Meaningful Change in Your Community

Our Tutors Are the Driving Force of Our Organization

Who are We Looking for in Tutors?
  • Enthusiastic Chicagoans with a passion for helping their neighbors
  • Team players eager to learn creative and effective approaches to tutoring adult literacy and ESL learners
  • Those with an interest in education equity and community impact
What is Your Role as a Tutor?
  • Work 1 on 1 or with a small group of adult literacy or ESL learners, and commit to supporting your students as they build skills and reach their goals
  • Design lessons that are interactive, enjoyable, and tailored to your students’ interests
Is There a Time Commitment?

Yes. Tutors should expect to:

  • Complete a required 15½-hour pre-service tutor training, where you’ll gain the skills and confidence to support adult learners, and earn a Literacy Chicago tutor training certificate.
  • Commit to volunteering for 6 to 9 months
  • Weekly tutoring sessions with your student(s)
What Will You Gain as a Tutor?

As a tutor, you will:

  • Directly support programs that help Chicago adults achieve literacy, earn GEDs, and access career opportunities
  • Connect with like-minded people, nonprofit leaders, and the community across Chicago
  • Additionally, recent studies indicate that volunteering is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your mental health. (Source: The Cleveland Clinic)

Volunteer Training Sessions

No volunteer or tutoring experience required!

Training consists of three sessions: two online and one in-person. Please see the times and dates below. Participants will also have 4-6 hours of assignments to do at home between sessions. These assignments consist of watching short videos and reading short texts, and are easy and accessible to all.

All sessions must be attended to be certified, and all assignments must be completed.

Online training sessions require a computer or iPad with a camera.

For more information, contact Joanne Telser-Frère, Director of Program Development jtelserfrere@literacychicago.org

Apply to be A Tutor

June 2026 Trainings

Tuesday, June 23, 2026
6:30 to 8:45 P.M.
Location: Zoom

***

Thursday, June 25, 2026
6:30 to 8:45 P.M.
Location: Zoom

***

Saturday, June 27, 2026
9 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.
Location: In person at the Literacy Chicago office