Being a Tutor

MTC’s tutoring program provides individualized attention to students, assisting our local schools in meeting students’ unique needs. Tutors support their students by working with them directly on the specific areas where they are struggling. Each year, MTC places volunteer tutors in Los Altos and Mountain View schools, from kindergarten through 8th grade.

MTC’s Tutoring Programs Include:

One-on-one tutoring: Tutors work directly with a student on a desired subject, typically math or language arts. Tutoring takes place on school campuses during school hours.
Homework Clubs: Tutors meet with students after school on school campuses to work on math challenges and reading comprehension skills.
Reading Fellows: Reading Fellows is online an interventional program in LASD that matches tutors with students who are struggling to learn to read. The 2024-2025 school year dates for Reading Fellows training and sessions: To Be Announced

Elementary School Tutors

Tutors provide academic support in reading, math, or general homework assistance, guided by teachers and MTC Tutor Program Managers.
Tutoring on school campuses: in-class small groups, silent reading time, or after school homework clubs.
Meeting once or twice a week, 1:1 tutoring boosts academic progress and confidence.
Sessions last 30 minutes to 1 hour and are supervised by teachers or school administrators.
Commitment for one school year from tutors allows for noticeable student progress and a rewarding experience for our volunteer tutors.

Middle School Tutors

Middle school tutors work with students in small groups or individually during study hall or after school.
Tutors receive instruction and support from classroom teachers, school administrators, and MTC Tutor Program Managers.
Tutors assist with math, writing, class projects, workload management, and/or organizational skills.
Middle school is a time of transition and maturation, where tutors also serve as mentors.
Tutors provide guidance, encouragement, and model responsibility while supporting students’ interests and personal growth.

Reading Fellows Tutors

Intensive training required, in addition to New Tutor Training
Provides a very structured 1:1 format for tutoring
Tutors meet daily with their students (4 days/week)
Online via Google Meet, 30 minutes per session
Sessions follow the same format every day
Reading Fellow sessions are minimum of 6 weeks each
Originated from Teachers College at Columbia University
Program is proven to be very impactful for students and rewarding for tutors.

Tutoring FAQs

I have never taught. Will I have the skills to be a tutor?

You do not need to have teaching experience to be a tutor.

Our tutors receive instruction and guidance from a classroom teacher or administrator. Tutors also receive training and resources from MTC and our staff are always available for additional feedback and advice.

I travel sometimes so what happens if I am away?

We understand that our volunteers will travel or have a variety of reasons for occasionally missing their sessions. We ask that you let your teacher know in advance. Perhaps you can double up on the week before you leave or when you return. Either way, the students benefit from all the weeks you are able to help, and we are so appreciative of the time you give!

How long am I expected to tutor?

We prefer a tutor to be available from October through May, but if you join after October, we ask that you complete the remainder of the school year. Many of our tutors return year after year but the minimum commitment is one school year. If you enjoy the work, we hope you will continue.

How do I become a tutor?

We’re glad you’re interested! Please contact us. Someone on our staff will be in touch with you within 2 days.

How to Become A Tutor

Are you ready to learn more about volunteering as a tutor with MTC? Please view our Tutor Volunteer Job Description, or contact us using our contact form.

A member of the MTC staff will get back to you within two days.

If you’re ready to apply to the MTC Tutor program, please use our volunteer information form.

Note: All MTC Tutors must have graduated high school.

Volunteer Information Form

Tutor Job Description

We’re excited to have you join us in our mission to help kids reach their potential and thrive!

Certification Requirements:
Tutor Program

All Mentor Tutor Connection tutors must meet specific requirements set by California state law, local school district directives, as well as our own internal training and interview criteria.

MTC Volunteer Information Form

We invite you to begin the application process by submitting our Volunteer Information Form.

Volunteer Information Form

Training Requirements

MTC provides a 1.5 hour New Tutor Training session to all new tutors. This training is required by all MTC volunteers wishing to become tutors and includes what to expect as a tutor, tips on best practices, and helpful resources for tutor support. A list of upcoming New Tutor Trainings can be found on our website’s events page.

Our Mountain View Whisman and Los Altos School district partners require Tutors to also complete an annual online child safety course “Mandated Reporter Training for Volunteers“.

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*Tutors who also serve as Mentors should take the MVLA School District’s online child safety course Keenan Safe Schools training, with the following understanding: Tutors are required to be Mandated Reporters while they are volunteering in the MVWSD and LASD schools; Mentors are strongly encouraged to be Mandated Reporters while they are volunteering in the MVLA high schools.

New Tutor Training registration

Mandated Reporter Training (online course)

TB Testing

Mountain View Whisman and Los Altos school districts require all MTC volunteers to provide MTC with proof of a negative TB Test by a licensed health care provider within the past four years. Click the following link for instructions and a facility that does not charge MTC volunteers for the test: TB Test Instructions. Alternatively, your physician can complete the CTCA Risk Assessment Form if they feel you should not need to take the test.

All MTC volunteers must also provide MTC with proof of COVID vaccination per school district requirements. Send a photo of your vaccination card or digital vaccination record to programs@mentortutorconnection.org.

TB Testing Instructions

Live Scan Fingerprinting

All volunteers must be fingerprinted which allows for a background check with the Dept. of Justice and the FBI. Click the following link for instructions: Fingerprint Instructions.

Live Scan Request Form

Fingerprint Instructions & Live Scan Locations

Tutor Program Manager Interview

As part of MTC’s approval process, one of our Tutor Program Managers will interview you for approximately one hour. This interview will give us a chance to learn about you and and your tutoring preferences for school, age and subject, and to determine if you are a fit for our program. Upon approval, our goal is to make the best possible school placement for you.