Our Tutors
Our tutors come with diverse backgrounds and a shared belief in the power of literacy to change lives. Some are retired teachers or librarians; others come with a variety of work and life experiences. Many are drawn to the opportunity to form a one-to-one partnership with a student and be a part of their goal-setting and the work involved to achieve those goals. Some tutors love working with students from other countries and expanding their own cultural awareness. Sometimes a tutor’s own educational experiences fuel their desire to pass on literacy skills. They approach their work with humor, respect, care, and openness.
Close to 3,000 volunteer hours are given by our tutors each year. This equals nearly 1.5 staff positions. The generosity and commitment of our tutors make it possible to meet the needs of those in our community seeking one-to-one literacy tutoring to help them meet their goals.
Tutor Spotlight
The main thing that TLP does better than anyone else I’ve worked with is how supportive they are of me as a tutor. The staff:
- tests students and shares those results with me
- makes sure that I have the materials I need and reaches out to me with potential resources
- provides practical trainings and tutor newsletters that have helpful resources and information, saving me time
- is consistent, making it easy to build long-term relationships.
Adult Basic Education is very diverse – from reading poetry to prepping people in geometry, to teaching many types of adult literacy skills. Whatever you are comfortable with and can do well, TLP can find a place for you! ABE tutors are needed to fill in the educational gaps among adults in our community.
– Megan Nettleton, Tutor
Tutor Spotlight
I discovered Tompkins Learning Partners through a Lifelong publication. I knew right away that this was the place to be!
This has been one of the best experiences of my life. The people who come for tutoring are so motivated. I learn more about being an American from them. They have a work life and a family life, they come from a different culture, and they have so many obstacles, and yet they show up and they persevere. They are going to succeed; they won’t take anything less.
It’s very rewarding. You get back more than you put in, and it’s an experience you wouldn’t get anywhere else. Tutoring has expanded my awareness of what happens around the world. You make connections that are out of your comfort zone, and it is so worthwhile!
– Gary Johnson, Tutor
