Volunteer
UPCOMING TUTOR TRAINING: Our next in-person tutor trainings will be held in Winter/Spring 2026. Check back in December for announcement of training dates.
Volunteer with Midcoast Literacy
English Language or Basic Literacy Tutor
Volunteer tutors work with adult English language learners or fluent English speakers who need help with basic literacy skills.
Read Together Tutor
Volunteer tutors work with children, ages 6-14, who are reading below grade level or are English language learners.
Become A Tutor
Volunteer tutors at Midcoast Literacy come from a wide range of professional, educational, and personal backgrounds. Some have been teachers, while most have not. Some were very successful as students, while others struggled to learn to read and never felt competent in school. Many of our tutors are retirees, while others are in the workforce. What unites all our tutors is the desire to help people in our region improve their lives through literacy, one person at a time.
We hold separate trainings for the two programs, each having slightly different expectations and levels of weekly commitment. To support our volunteers beyond the initial training, we provide periodic workshops, opportunities to share experiences with other tutors, a lending library of tutor materials and books, and the ability to meet with the Program Director or the Adult Literacy Coordinator as needed.
Expectations for Tutors of Adults
- Participate in a tutor training, either online or at a group training
- Provide three recommendations
- Sign a confidentiality agreement and a sexual assault policy review
- Commit to volunteering for a minimum of one hour per week for one year
- Work with an English language learner, a native English-speaking adult in need of basic education, or an adult with developmental disabilities
- Submit regular session reports that track volunteer hours
- Attend tutor workshops and functions as desired to improve tutoring sessions and to support other tutors
For more information about becoming a tutor of an adult, please contact Diana at ALS@midcoastlit.org.
Expectations for Read Together Tutors of Children
- Participate in a tutor training for tutoring children
- Complete the tutor application
- Provide three recommendations
- Sign the confidentiality agreement and a sexual assault policy review
- Undergo background checks from DHHS and the Maine State Police Criminal History Record
- Commitment to volunteering for a minimum of one year
- Commit to holding a minimum of two one-hour sessions each week
- Work with a student from a native-English speaking family or a student from a family whose primary home language is not English
- Submit regular session reports that track volunteer hours
- Attend tutor workshops and functions as desired to improve tutoring sessions, support other tutors, and connect with the families of our students
For more information about becoming a tutor of a child, please contact Katie at PD@midcoastlit.org.
Tutoring Makes a Difference
Oct 23, 2025
Ellen & Abby
Success Story
This month, we celebrate Read Together tutor, Ellen Kearns, and her student,…
Sep 24, 2025
Dan & Chico
Success Story
September’s Success Story highlights tutor Dan Harris and English language learner Chico.…
Mar 25, 2025
Pat & Hunter
Success Story
Our March Success Story recognizes Read Together pair Hunter and his tutor…
Feb 20, 2025
Hannah & Cristina
Success Story
Februaryโs Success Story features the duo of ELL learner Cristina and tutor…
Ready to Volunteer?
Are you wondering which volunteer position might be best for you?
Call Midcoast Literacy at 207-443-6384 or send an email to ALS@midcoastlit.org for Tutoring for Adults or PD@midcoastlit.org for Tutoring for Children.