Startup - All volunteer tutors must be interviewed by the Volunteer Coordinator and complete the 12 hour tutor training before being matched with a learner. Volunteers will be oriented on a one-on-one basis before the first meeting.

Training - New tutors are sent to a twelve hour training session. Arrangements are made by the Volunteer Coordinator.  Training sessions are held at other literacy providers in Baltimore City, either in the evenings or on Saturdays. The cost of training is paid by the South Baltimore Learning Center as long as the volunteer completes the training. Tutor training addresses the general problem of illiteracy, issues related to teaching an adult learner, and particular methods of literacy instruction.

The Match - Every effort is made to try to ensure a good match. The Volunteer Coordinator tries to match tutor pairs according to their schedules and any preferences that the tutor or learner may have about age, sex, or literacy level. However, matches do not always work out, often through no fault of the tutor. Sometimes a learner may have extenuating personal circumstances, a non-supportive family, a difficult work schedule, or a number of problems that prevent them from continuing in the tutoring program.

The tutor and learner will talk about the learner's personal goals, determine how the pair will work towards these goals, and record this information on the "Goals List." Copies of the Goals List will be retained by the tutor and the learner. Interest inventories, a writing appraisal, and a more extensive goal sheet are also available. The Goal List and contracts will be returned to the Volunteer Coordinator and meeting times will be established.During the initial meeting, the tutor pair will also set up a system of communication in case either person has to miss a session. The pair can either exchange phone numbers or arrange to leave messages at the Center. The staff will gladly relay messages if either tutor or learner prefers not to give out their phone number.

On-going Meetings - Tutor pairs are expected to meet a minimum of two hours a week. Ideally pairs should meet three to four hours a week in order to ensure adequate progress. If possible pairs should make-up hours by rescheduling meetings whenever a cancellation occurs.

Portfolios and Monthly Time Sheets - Tutors and learners are required to maintain a portfolio.  In addition, tutors are required to fill out monthly time sheets and turn them into the Volunteer Coordinator at the end of each month.

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