"Volunteers don't get paid—not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless."

— Sherry Anderson

 

Find Out More

Position Description

 

If you are interested in volunteering with People, Words & Change, please contact us. One of our counsellors will answer your questions and give you more information before you apply.

Tutor Orientation, Match Support, and Tutor Workshops

If your application is accepted, you will be asked to attend a two-hour tutor orientation session which usually takes place in the evening. Once you have completed the orientation, we will begin the process of matching you with a student.

The Educational Counsellors at PWC provide regular, ongoing support to each match through emails, phone calls and monthly tutor reports. PWC also offers tutor workshops several times a year where tutors can learn new skills and strategies for tutoring and share ideas with other tutors.

Matches

Matches are made based on compatibility of schedule, geographic location and other preferences you both may have. Every effort is made to match tutors with learners who live within a reasonable travelling distance of each other.

We can’t always match you immediately after the orientation session but we do our best not to keep you waiting too long. The more flexible you can be about the times you are available and the distance you are willing to travel, the sooner we can find a student for you.

Once we have determined a suitable match for you, you will be invited to meet with an Education Counsellor to discuss your learner's Learning Plan, tutoring strategies and suitable resources. Your Education Counsellor will then arrange a time for you to meet your learner. At this meeting, you will have the opportunity to observe a tutoring session between the Educational Counsellor and your learner, agree on a suitable time and location for your tutoring sessions, exchange contact information, and set up your first session.

Tutors and learners meet once a week for two hours. As well, tutors assign their learners approximately two hours of homework. This is important in order for learners to make progress in their once-a-week, two-hour tutoring sessions..

Matches meet in a public place. Some meet at PWC, while others meet at one of the many branches of the Ottawa Public Library, a community centre or any other place that is suitable for both the tutor and learner.