Tutor Program

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 is provided either in-person or online (via Zoom or GoogleMeet) during school hours.
Reading Fellows: Reading Fellows is an interventional program in LASD that matches tutors with students who are struggling to learn to read. It involves an intensive training (in addition to our New Tutor Training) & provides a very structured format for tutoring in which the tutor meets daily with their student (4 days/week) for 30 minute sessions. The sessions follow the same format every day. Reading Fellow matches are a minimum of 6 weeks. Reading Fellows originated from Teachers College at Columbia University & has proven to be very impactful for students & rewarding for tutors.

The 2023-2024 cycle dates for Reading Fellows are:

TBA
These dates and times are subject to change per LASD schedule adjustments.

Elementary School Tutors

Students who have one-on-one tutoring support once or twice each week experience both academic progress as well as increased confidence. The consistent support and encouragement from a caring community member provides a strong foundation for learning and growth. Most elementary tutors work with students in reading or math while some tutors provide students with general assistance for homework support. Our Tutor Program Managers match volunteers’ interests and skills with needs identified by teachers and school administrators.

Our tutors work in different settings at each school. Some tutors support students in their classrooms, working in small groups. Other tutors work individually with students during designated silent reading time or after school. Tutoring sessions typically last between 30 minutes to one hour and are under the guidance of a teacher or school administrator.

MTC tutors commit to a year-long placement, allowing them to see improvement and progress over the course of the year. Many of our tutors report that tutoring children for the year is very rewarding work. Most students are eager to learn, especially when given this unique attention and opportunity.

Middle School Tutors

MTC tutors at the middle schools either work with small groups of students in a classroom setting or individually with students during study hall or after school. Like our elementary school program, tutors at the middle schools receive instruction and support from a classroom teacher or school administrator. One day, a tutor may be helping students with a class project, and another day, they may be teaching students how to manage their workloads or keep a calendar.

Middle school is also the time when adolescents move from play dates to the beginning of more mature relationships. It is a wonderful and complex time when the help of an adult tutor can make a significant difference. MTC’s middle school tutors are often providing more than tutoring — they are also mentoring students as they encourage and inspire their students to pursue their passions or explore a new subject area. Tutors for this age group model responsibility and respect as they offer consistent patience and support.

Do you want to be a tutor?

Tutors:

Are needed in Los Altos and Mountain View schools
Help for a minimum of one hour per week
Receive guidance from a teacher or school administrator
Support a variety of subjects including help with reading or math, as well as other opportunities
Are filled with a sense of satisfaction when their student does well

Mentor Tutor Connection (MTC) is currently recruiting volunteer tutors in both Mountain View Whisman School District and Los Altos School District. For more information about tutoring, please see Tutoring FAQs.

Interested individuals will need to satisfy our tutor volunteer requirements in order to tutor for MTC. If you are interested in learning more about tutoring, please contact us.

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.

Become A Tutor

Ready to Learn More About Tutoring?

To get more information, 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, please use our volunteer information form. (Tutor volunteers must be high school graduates)

Volunteer Information Form

Tutor Job Description

What Happens Next?

A member of the MTC staff will reach out to you to answer any questions you may have about our volunteer program. We hope that you’ll decide to volunteer with us, and if you do, we will assist you in getting started. This will include:

Explaining how our tutor program works and answering any questions you might have
Assisting you with the application process
Getting you registered for a New Tutor Training
Introducing you to your Tutor Program Manager who will get to know your interests and skills, and then match you with a teacher/student at a local school.

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

Requirements for Tutors

bph-programs-tutoring-requirements-for-tutoring

These are the requirements for becoming an MTC tutor:

1. MTC Volunteer Information Form

Complete this form on our website by clicking the “Volunteer Information Form” button.

** Tutors must be high school graduates **

Volunteer Information Form

2. Training

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 information about protecting youth, as well as specialized tutor training. 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 also require all volunteers, including MTC Tutors, to complete an online “Mandated Reporter Training for Volunteers” per California Assembly Bill 506.

Upcoming Events

Online Training

3. 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

4. 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.

Fingerprint Instructions & Live Scan Locations

Live Scan Request Form

5. 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.