FAQs for Adult Literacy and OG Readers Volunteer Tutors

Can I tutor for both programs?

Of course!

Do I need to have teaching experience to become a volunteer tutor?

Not at all! During the training for new volunteer tutors, you will be introduced to how to successfully accomplish the following:

• Understand and honor different learning styles and diversity that come with each student.
• Use tools and techniques to teach all four components of literacy: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• Identify appropriate literacy-based goals of the students.
• Develop learner-centered lesson plans.

Also, it is during the training that we have a chance to get to know you, which is helpful during the matching process with a student.

When and where do tutoring sessions take place?

Tutoring sessions take place at dedicated locations reserved for tutors and learners at Central or at Eastside Libraries during open hours. Tutors and learners with the Adult Literacy Program may also meet outside of the library. We ask that tutors and learners do not visit each other at their respective homes.

Can I tutor more than one person? What about tutoring a small group?

We generally encourage tutors to start working with one student. However, if, after a few weeks, you would still like an additional student, please contact us at Literacy@SantaBarbaraCA.gov. Oftentimes, volunteer tutors will meet with two or more students individually throughout the week. Group sessions are often not encouraged because students are often at different levels, and have different goals.

What are the general requirements to be a volunteer tutor?

• Be adults (age 16-years-old and older)
• Be patient, adaptable, and dedicated
• Be able to read and write in English at a high school level
• Attend a training for new volunteer tutors
• Clear a Live Scan background check through the City of Santa Barbara’s HR Department
• Be able to dedicate at least one hour a week to your learner for at least 6 months (choose your own schedule)
• Prepare learner-centered lessons (tutoring materials and resources will be provided)
• Report number of sessions, time spent meeting and prepping, and successes/challenges each month in response to a form that will be sent to you via email.
   

What is the Adult Literacy Program at the Santa Barbara Public Library?

The Adult Literacy Program is a one-on-one tutoring service provided by the Santa Barbara Public Library. The program helps adults achieve their educational and professional goals. Each learner is paired with a volunteer tutor. The minimum commitment is 6 months and one hour each week.

Who are the adult learners?

Adult learners are individuals who are 16-years-old and older. While many of SBPL’s adult learners are English Language Learners, they speak a variety of languages and have a wide range of cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds.

What is the OG (Orton-Gillingham) Readers Program at the Santa Barbara Public Library?

The OG Readers tutoring program is a free one-to-one tutoring service for students in Grades 1 - 4 to help them become confident readers.

Orton-Gillingham (OG) is a highly structured, multi-sensory, phonics-based approach that demystifies the process of learning to read. Initially developed for readers with dyslexia, OG Readers is for all students who struggle with reading and reading comprehension, including English-Language Learners.

Students meet with their tutor for one hour each week at the Central or Eastside Library to practice skills that will improve their reading, writing, and spelling. Tutors are trained volunteers who have completed background checks. Our trained tutors use sight, hearing, and movement to help students connect language with letters and words.

Who are the OG Readers students?

OG Readers students are learners in grades 1-4 who have been assessed and found to be reading below grade level. OG Readers learners come from diverse backgrounds, including families for whom English is not their first language.

I already passed the Live Scan background check because of another volunteer position and/or job. Why do I need to do this again?

Unfortunately, we are not allowed to accept (or share) Live Scan results from other agencies or organizations. You’ll need to have another Live Scan processed through the City of Santa Barbara’s Human Resources Department in order to volunteer with the Library.

How do I schedule the Live Scan background check?

Please call the HR mainline at (805) 564-5316 during regular business hours, Monday – Thursday 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM, to schedule your Live Scan appointment during which your fingerprints will be taken.  

When calling, please let the HR team know that you will be volunteering with the City of Santa Barbara’s Public Library so that the appropriate appointment will be booked and the appropriate paperwork will be sent to you.

Please note that teens do not require a Live Scan background check, but will need to complete paperwork.

How much will the Live Scan background check cost?

Live Scan background checks are free for all volunteer tutors.