"Let's Read!" Volunteer Reading Tutors

Becoming functionally literate - the ability to read with comprehension and apply what has been read-is, in today's world, a necessity. Helping our children become effective readers is the focus of much research and educational literature. 

Volunteer Reading Tutors (VRTs) help students by supporting the concepts being taught in school and giving extra reading practice. Struggling readers need the reinforcement of skills taught in the classroom. We'll give you clear strategies about how to support children for whom reading is difficult.

The intent of the training you receive in SAYL's "Let's Read!" program is to help VRTs become comfortable and competent in working with struggling readers. We know that in the ½ hour per week VRTs spend working with the student it is impossible to solve all the problems the child is having with reading. But VRTs can work to help build the child's confidence in attempting reading skills and strategies that will help him in his journey toward becoming a successful reader.

Volunteer Reading Tutors are essential to the success of SAYL's "Let's Read!" program.  VRTs must be at least seventeen years old and be able to commit at least one hour per week for a minimum of one school year.  During this time, the volunteer works one-on-one with two students, each for thirty minutes.  If VRT's are able to commit to more time each week, they are encouraged to work more than the minimum requirement of one hour.

The first step to becoming a VRT is to sign up for a training session. Training consists of one two hour session.  There will also be approximately one on-going training and support meeting held each month throughout the school year. 

Sign up for a VRT training session.

After you sign up for training, download and complete the Volunteer Application and bring it with you to the training. After training, SAYL staff will work with the site directors to process your criminal background check.  Once you have cleared, SAYL staff will call you to schedule your first tutoring session.

Get a Volunteer Application Now.

If you have any additional questions about volunteering with the "Let's Read!" program, please visit our FAQ page or contact Mary Flannigan, Community Development Director, at (210) 299-1533.