All volunteer tutors must complete a volunteer application, be approved, and attend a required training session before they begin their volunteer activities.

• Meet the principal and get to know your school.
• Set an initial meeting with your assigned teacher.
• Call the school if you are running late.
• Let the school know as far in advance as possible if you cannot be present on a given date.
• Locate and use the volunteer sign-in system when you arrive at the school.
• Get to know your student(s).
• Be prepared.
• Start and end on time.
• Make all tasks appear challenging.
• Introduce new material slowly.
• Plan two or three activities to introduce the same concept.
• Use concrete, manipulative materials that involve use of more than one of the student’s senses.
• If the task is difficult, break it into simpler units.
• Demonstrate rather than talk.
• Use discretion in conversations while in the presence of students.
• Be patient and positive.
• Try, try again.

All volunteer mentors must complete a volunteer application and a required training session before they begin their volunteer activities.

• Be on time. Remember that students are looking forward to your visits.
• Be positive, firm, fair, friendly, alert, organized and conscientious!
• Be prudent and professional in any physical and public contact with students.
• Keep all promises.
• Do not give students your home phone number or address.
• Do not give presents or material items to students, regardless of requests or demonstrated needs.
• Set an example that will help students improve their attitudes toward education and develop an enthusiasm for learning.
• Maintain confidentiality. If you become aware of an issue you think needs to be addressed, contact the Office of District Engagement Services at 972-925-3920.
• Meet with students only in designated areas, never in an isolated location and never off campus unless on a school- or group-sponsored field trip.
• Operate within the school’s rules.
• Make every effort to ensure the student feels privileged and proud to be chosen for this extra attention.
• Allow the student time to become comfortable in sharing personal information, whether about activities and accomplishments or fears, concerns and accidents.
• Never criticize a teacher or principal in front of a student.