Volunteer tutors work one-to-one with adults to improve their reading, writing and confidence. You’ll make a real difference and you don’t need teaching experience. We provide training, resources and ongoing support every step of the way.
If you’re interested in becoming a tutor, please read our Tutor Rights & Responsibilities and Privacy Policy and then complete the Tutor Application Form. We prefer applicants to be over 22 years of age and permanent residents of Western Australia.
Once submitted, your application will be forwarded to your Regional Coordinator, who will contact you within a few days to arrange an interview at your local library.
During the interview, you’ll discuss your interests and background—an important step in matching you with a student. You’ll also learn more about the role, including training requirements and the expectation of a minimum 12-month commitment to the program.
You will be contacted by a Coordinator in your region, who is also a volunteer, to arrange an interview.
At the interview the Coordinator will discuss with you your interests and background as this is an important part of matching you with a student. You will also be made aware of the responsibilities that go with being a tutor, including training and making a commitment to the Program for at least 12 months.
All Read Write Now tutors complete a comprehensive training program, delivered free of charge. This includes a two-day face-to-face workshop in the Perth metropolitan area, and online training for volunteer tutors in regional areas.
The training equips tutors with practical strategies and confidence to support adult learners. Topics include reading, writing and spelling, lesson planning, adult learning approaches, and working with culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) learners.
“The course is so enlightening on how to assist people with their literacy challenges. The philosophy of setting up students for success is brilliant and infectious.” — Catherine, Tutor
Government regulations insist that as of 2008, all adults (both volunteer and paid) who work with ‘vulnerable people’ must have a Police Check. The term ‘vulnerable people’ not only includes children and the elderly, it has been deemed to also include those with low literacy levels. It is therefore compulsory that all Read Write Now tutors have a Police Check. This is done at no expense to you.
Becoming a tutor is a ‘no pay’ job but it is definitely not a ‘no perks’ job.
You will receive professional training, have the support of your Coordinator and the Central Office team and have access to a varied range of resources. You will have the opportunity to gain as much knowledge as you want and develop both professional and personal skills.
One of the real ‘perks’ of being a Read Write Now volunteer tutor is sharing in the success of your student. Read more about what students have achieved in Student Stories.
Please ring 1800 018 802 if you have any questions. Thank you for your support of adult literacy in Western Australia.
