Become a Volunteer Tutor

Make a Difference in Arkansas

Thank you for your interest in becoming an AR Kids Read tutor. As an AKR tutor, you will encourage children to reach their full potential by helping them to build valuable literacy skills and gain academic confidence. Reading is a basic building block that students often need help to master. AKR tutors support teachers and parents by serving as compassionate mentors and friends to children in our communities.

We provide the training and materials for tutors to be successful, and do not require our volunteers to have a background in education. Tutors use a school-aligned, evidence-based curriculum and provide consistent reading time for students to help them catch up to their peers. AKR Tutors commit to serving for one school year (October through March) or one summer (June-July) and meet once per week with the same two students in a one-on-one setting.

This is a great opportunity for professionals and individuals to invest in their local community, high school and college students to explore the possibility of becoming teachers, and retired educators to return to their love of working with children. Join us today by filling out an application. Need more information? Check out our FAQs below.

Interested in Becoming a Tutor?

Click the Volunteer Application link below to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about our tutoring program? See below for common inquiries, or email info@arkidsread.org.

What are the application requirements?

Interested volunteers who are at least 16 years old, fill out an application, attend a 1.5 hour training session, and complete the background check processVolunteers between the ages of 16 and 18 do not need to submit a background check application.  These candidates must submit a recommendation form to complete the vetting process. 

What is the time commitment?

You will commit to tutoring at least one hour per week for 20 weeks for school year program (October-March) or 7 weeks for the summer program (June-July). Each tutor is assigned to 2 students and the tutor works with the same two students for the tutoring term.  This time commitment allows ample opportunity for you and your students to build a relationship which is the foundation of the AKR model. 

What does a typical tutoring session look like?

You will meet with students in a one-on-one setting for 30 minutes each week.  A typical tutoring session consists of opportunities for skill-building activities, reading practice for the student, and interactive games to reinforce foundational reading skills. Additionally, there’s always time for conversation, time to read aloud to your student, and many shared laughs and stickers!

Do I need to have an education background?

No, it is not a requirement to have an education background.  You provide the time and the relationship. We provide the training, the materials, and ongoing coaching and support.

When does tutoring take place?

School year tutoring takes place at designated school sites during the morning and early afternoon as well as at after school sites in the late afternoon between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm. Summer tutoring takes place at designated library sites during the lates afternoon between 3:30pm and 5:30pm.

What's the process for selecting a tutoring site and time?

For school year tutoring, you will select your exact tutoring day and time in August or September once the schools have finalized their schedules. For summer tutoring, you will select your exact tutoring day and time in May.

What happens if I can’t make a tutoring session?

Consistent attendance is very important, but it is understood that there will be times when you will need to reschedule a session.  You will communicate directly with the site contact or teacher to cancel or reschedule a session.

What happens if the student isn’t consistently showing up or if the match is not working out?

Student attendance is tracked on a regular basis and if the student misses sessions consistently, the AKR Program Coordinator will reassign you to a new student.  Similarly, if the match is not working out, the school staff and the AKR team will work together to support you and determine if it’s necessary to find a new student match.

What are the benefits of becoming a volunteer reading tutor?

As an AKR tutor, you are helping students to become confident, fluent readers which will in turn help create a stronger community.  Volunteers have reported that it is often the best part of their week, and they get as much out of it as the student does.  It is gratifying to watch a student make progress which will help them to catch up to their peers and excel in school.  Reading is a foundational skill that is necessary for each student to master. AKR reading tutors are building relationships as well as building stronger readers.

If I am unable to tutor at this time, how else can I participate with your organization?

There are many ways to get involved with AR Kids Read- become a donor, start a book drive, volunteer during our fundraising events, or help with small program projects. Email info@arkidsread.org to find out exactly how you can get involved!

How do I get started?

Complete the volunteer application here, or if you have any additional questions or would like more information, please email info@arkidsread.org or call our office at 501-244-2661.

Our Partner Sites

Little Rock School District

Bale Elementary School

Brady Elementary School

Chicot Elementary School

Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy

Mabelvale Elementary School

McDermott Elementary School

Stephens Elementary School

Terry Elementary School

Washington Elementary School

Watson Elementary School

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District

Bayou Meto Elementary School

Bobby G. Lester Elementary School

Jacksonville Elementary School

Murrell Taylor Elementary School

North Little Rock School District

Amboy Elementary School

Boone Park Elementary School

Meadow Park Elementary School

Ridge Road Elementary School

Seventh Street Elementary School

Pulaski County Special School District

Crystal Hill Elementary School

Daisy Bates Elementary School

Harris Elementary After School

Joe T. Robinson Elementary School

Oakbrooke Elementary School

Pine Bluff School District

Broadmoor Elementary School

James Matthews Elementary School

Southwood Elementary School

34th Avenue Elementary School

Out of School Programs

Brandon House

Life Skills for Youth

Our House

Summer AKR @ the Library

Dee Brown Library

Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library

Esther D. Nixon Library

Faulker County Library

Argenta Public Library

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