Transforming Readers is a volunteer tutoring program for Kindergarten – 2nd grade students who are reading just below grade level. The program provides a strong foundation for early grade reading success because reading proficiency is the most critical skill a student must acquire in order to be successful in school and in life.
The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties is pleased to be working in partnership with the Voluntary Action Center and Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging to recruit, screen and manage the volunteer tutors. With extra one-on-one or two-on-one practice with a community volunteer, these students will advance their grade level reading skills faster than they otherwise would have without a tutor.
Our Transforming Readers program is currently providing 280 Kindergarten – 2nd grade struggling readers in the Scranton School District the support they need to gain the skills necessary to read proficiently. The program is currently running in Charles Sumner, John Adams, John F. Kennedy and McNichols Plaza elementary schools with Whittier Elementary beginning in Spring 2019.
Transforming Readers needs you!
Volunteers work with children one-on-one or in small groups. School staff design the activities the volunteers use during the sessions. The program takes place in an elementary school at a designated time during the school day.
volunteer requirements
- Able to commit to two (2) hours per week for the entire 10 week session
- Access to consistent transportation
- Able to attend a two-hour orientation and training program
- Willingness to apply for state and federal clearances and adhere to school district volunteer requirements
- Comfortable working independently with children
- Interest in the available tutoring times and available locations
- Literate in English with average writing skills (English as a first language is not required)
responsibilities of volunteer tutors
- Complete the volunteer registration and obtain the three (3) required clearances
- Agree to tutor a minimum of two (2) hours per week for a 10 week session (fall/spring)
- Attend a volunteer tutor training session (2 hours), preferably at your assigned school
- Establish a positive working relationship with the student(s)
- Provide positive feedback to the student(s) with suggestions for improvement
- In each tutoring session, cover the lesson plan outlined by your School Coordinator
- Follow the format of a tutoring session as covered at training and in the Program Guide
- Complete the Communication Log at the end of each tutoring session
- Maintain student confidentiality: limit discussion of students’ progress to School Coordinator
- Complete the feedback survey at the end of the session
If you are interested in becoming a TR volunteer or want to learn more, please contact the Voluntary Action Center (570) 347-5616.
Transforming Readers is graciously sponsored by:
