FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Prospective Tutors
QUESTION: I HAVE NEVER TUTORED BEFORE AND/OR I'M NOT VERY FAMILIAR WITH KIDS. HOW DO I KNOW IF I CAN DO THIS?
Relax! Most of our tutors do not have a background in teaching and often are college students themselves. When you come to tutor for the first time, you will receive training that includes tips on how to tutor. During the actual tutoring session, there will be greeters circulating who can answer any questions you may have.
QUESTION: WHAT SORT OF QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?
None! All you need is patience, a desire to help local students, and a positive attitude. Although some of our tutors are/were teachers, most are students or members of the community who simply want to make a difference. Tutors must be at least 15 years old and/or in the 9th grade.
QUESTION: WHERE ARE THE TUTORING SESSIONS HELD?
The sessions are held at the Church of the Covenant (11205 Euclid Avenue) across from University Hospitals. Enter the parking lot from Euclid Avenue. From the parking lot, enter the east side of the building by going down the patio stairs, outlined by large, brightly-colored signs. Those stairs and signs are directly opposite the driveway entrance.
QUESTION: WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
If you are a brand-new tutor, please arrive at 9:00 a.m. That will allow you time to fill out necessary paperwork, attend a brief, new-tutor training, and get settled before the students arrive.
If you are a returning tutor, please arrive by 9:45 a.m. so that you have time to get settled before the students arrive. Arriving too late makes it difficult to match tutors and students.
QUESTION: HOW LONG DOES A TUTORING SESSION LAST?
Tutoring starts at 10:00 a.m. (although you and the children should arrive by 9:45 a.m.) and ends at noon. There is a snack break at 11:00 a.m. when students and tutors are welcome to have refreshments.
QUESTION: WHAT GRADES WILL I WORK WITH?
Students range from 1st grade to 12th grade.You choose the age group and subject(s) you want to cover.
QUESTION: WILL I WORK WITH THE SAME STUDENT EVERY TIME THAT I VOLUNTEER?
Yes, when you and the student attend the same Saturdays and arrive around the same time. However, sometimes not. If the student is late, we may have already assigned you another student. If you're late, your student may already be assigned another tutor. With your help, we will keep you and your student partnered as often as possible.
QUESTION: HOW MANY TUTORING SESSIONS ARE THERE?
There are approximately 10 tutoring sessions per semester. Fall semester typically begins in late September and continues until Thanksgiving. Tutoring resumes around the end of January and continues until Good Friday/Easter. There is no tutoring offered during the summer.
QUESTION: HOW OFTEN AM I EXPECTED TO VOLUNTEER?
You can volunteer whenever it fits your schedule. An every-week commitment is NOT required, but appreciated. Some tutors do volunteer every week, while others volunteer once or twice a month.
WHAT SUBJECTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR TUTORING?
All of the basic subjects are covered: math, science, reading, English, and social studies. For the high school students, we also offer standardized test prep for ACT, SAT, PSAT, and OGT.
QUESTION: I'M ALL READY TO GIVE TUTORING A TRY, HOW DO I SIGN UP?
You can either contact saturdaytutoring@gmail.com or 216-505-0885 before arriving, or you can just arrive at 9:00 a.m. on the Saturday you'd like to begin. We'll get you all signed up.