Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer tutors are needed to support adult learners with:

• elementary to junior high-level reading and math
• GED prep
• computer basics

There is also the opportunity to support adults as they prepare for employment-related tests including the Canadian Forces Achievement Test (CFAT) and Apprenticeship tests.

Lastly, you can contribute your specific talents and skills to us for specific, short-term projects (e.g., repairs & maintenance, administrative support, photography and videography, marketing and promotion, financial/accounting, etc.) or apply to be a member of our Board of Directors.

Volunteer Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED Certificate or equivalent, with good reading and writing skills
• Ability to take direction and to work collaboratively with staff and other volunteers
• Ability to maintain confidentiality; have patience; be non-judgemental
• Basic computer literacy, or willingness to learn
• Be 19 years or older

Volunteer Screening

The Dartmouth Learning Network is committed to providing a safe environment for our learners, staff, and volunteers. To that end, we support and follow Volunteer Canada’s Volunteer Screening Guidelines.

We will assess each volunteer assignment based on the following criteria:

• The participant's goals and needs
• The activities the volunteer assignment entails
• The location of the volunteer assignment
• The level of supervision during the volunteer assignment

Each potential volunteer will be required to:

• Complete a volunteer application form
• Attend an interview
• Attend a volunteer orientation
• Take advantage of opportunities to develop and grow their skills as a volunteer
• Complete a Criminal Records Check (based on volunteer activity)

Dartmouth Learning Network will:

• Provide each volunteer with a meaningful volunteer assignment that reflects their skills, interests, needs, and background.
• Provide a clearly written position description for each volunteer assignment
• Provide ongoing support and supervision for each volunteer assignment
• Provide access to relevant training opportunities
• Provide follow-up, feedback, and support to each volunteer regarding their assignment

Tutor Training

Dartmouth Learning Network makes every effort to provide training that connects volunteer tutors with the tools and resources necessary to support an adult learner. Throughout the academic year, tutors are provided with opportunities to participate in workshops and training events relevant to adult literacy in Nova Scotia. Training topics can include, but are not limited to:

• Student learning plans, goal setting, and evaluation
• Reading, writing, and math strategies
• Lesson planning
• Online tools and resources
• Follow up training on relevant literacy topics (scheduled as needed)

As a volunteer tutor with Dartmouth Learning Network, you also will have free access to The Nova Scotia Literacy Practitioner Training and Certification Program valued at approximately $750.

Tutors will also have the option of shadowing a class to gain hands-on experience under the direction of an instructor before accepting a one-to-one or small group tutoring assignment.

The teaching skills you learn in the training workshop(s) will benefit your work with your learner and may assist in other areas of your work/volunteer activities.

There is no cost to you for these learning opportunities. All we ask is that you make a six to twelve-month commitment to help an adult learner reach their learning goals.

Visit our blog page to see more volunteer and learner stories