Become a Tutor

Thank you for your interest in joining the America Reads & Counts Program at UMass Dartmouth!

We are currently accepting applications for new and returning tutors for the Fall 2020 semester. Interested in applying?

Follow these steps:

      1. Visit these three pages to learn about the requirements and expectations for America Reads*Counts tutors: Introduction for New Tutors, Policies and Tutor Expectations, and Attendance Policy.
      2. Apply! New tutors need to submit an application and returning tutors need to submit a re-application.
      3. Send your class schedule and other time commitments to americareads@umassd.edu.
      4. If you are offered a position, we will process your hiring paperwork through Corsair Jobs. If this is your first time working at the University, you will need to complete both the I-9 and W-4 forms as well as your profile on Corsair Jobs.
      5. Complete required CORI(s) for your scheduled site(s).
      6. Attend a mandatory training session before you can start work.
      7. Tutors are expected to begin working the week of September 28th or October 5th.

FAQs

Do I qualify to work with America Reads*Counts?

If you are an undergraduate student actively enrolled at UMass Dartmouth with a federal work-study award as part of your financial aid package, then yes! If you do not have Federal Work-study or if you don’t know if you do, you can contact the Financial Aid Office to find out if you are eligible for Federal Work-Study. Otherwise, you can still apply as a VOLUNTEER or an INTERN.

How much do tutors earn?

Starting hourly rate for tutors under work-study is $13.25. Returning tutors are eligible for a $0.50 raise on their hourly rate depending on their work performance.

Is there a minimum weekly commitment?

Yes, you must commit to tutoring at least 1 shift per week, which is approximately 2.5-4.5 hours.

Do I have this job for the entire school year?

Yes. We will continue your employment through the Spring semester (as long as you have money in your federal work-study award). At the end of the fall semester, we will ask tutors to submit their spring class schedule to set their work schedules. However, if you do not want to work in the Spring, or can't, for whatever reason, that's okay too.

Do I need any special experience to qualify for this job?

No. We have found that students from all colleges, studying virtually every subject offered at the University, can make fine tutors, whatever their experience to date. What is needed most is commitment, reliability, and an interest in working with children.​

Is transportation provided?

The program offers transportation to all sites. Most of the sites are serviced by the Corsair Shuttle. A few sites are also serviced by the LOOP buses. Visit the Tutoring Sites page for a map of our community partners.

What kind of work will I do? Will I always be in a classroom setting?

It depends on the site. Teachers utilize tutors in a variety of ways, but most classrooms are set up so a tutor can work privately with a student or a small group of students while other classroom activities go on. In our after-school programs, tutors work one-on-one or in small groups on various activities, including, but not limited to, homework, computer work, games, and mentoring.

What if I am unhappy with the work I am assigned by my teacher/site, or don’t get along with my teacher/site coordinator?

Your role is to provide academic assistance to students, under the direction and supervision of a teacher or site coordinator. It is not to be a clerical, administrative, or disciplinary aide. Of course, everyone pitches in at times to make things run smoothly, so you may occasionally be asked to help out with clerical tasks, make copies, straighten the room, etc. However, if these are your primary tasks, you should contact our office, so we can help you to discuss your proper role with the teacher/site coordinator. Please don’t wait until the end of the semester to report these issues. While they are uncommon, they do occur. Notify us as it is happening and we will work with you to improve the situation. We do not want you to be unhappy or poorly utilized in this job. If necessary, we will change your assignment.