Welcome and thank you for your interest in tutoring
Please read the following for more information about the program.
What does the literacy program do?
What qualifications do I need?
What if I live in another part of Toronto?
What if I don’t live in Toronto?
What does the literacy program do?
The St. Christopher House Adult Literacy Program provides English speaking adults with one-to-one and small group tutoring in reading, writing, basic math and basic computers.
Most of our tutoring is one-to-one. We also have a number of small groups. In addition, we hold workshops on topics of interest to learners.
The program takes a critical approach to literacy. We try to incorporate community development and social justice into our programming by empowering people so they can become more involved in shaping their community.
We encourage all participants (learners and tutors) to provide input as to how the program is run.
We work with learners and tutors to develop an individualized plan for learning that is based on the learner’s goals and experience.
We also publish a quarterly newsletter that is put together by learners, tutors and staff.
Periodically, we publish books by learners. If you would like to see some examples of learner writing, please visit our Books page.
When we match learners and tutors we consider their availability. When you come in to meet with us we will ask you to indicate what times you are available.
Our program is open:
- Monday to Wednesday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
- Thursday from 9:00am to 6:00 pm
- Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
What qualifications do I need?
We require that tutors:
- are 19 years or older
- like working with people
- have everyday English skills
- have an open mind and believe that all people can learn
- are interested in community development
- live or work in our catchment area
- can make a commitment of three hours a week (2 hours of tutoring and 1 hour of prep.)
Get in touch with us by phone or email. Speak to Judi, Fran or Joy.
Our phone number is: 416-539-9000.
Our email address is literacy@stchrishouse.org
We'll send you a questionnaire (by email, fax or snail mail). When you have completed it, send us back to us. We will call you set up an interview. The interview is approximately 1 hour and includes a ½ hour video.
Yes. We provide an initial 15 hour tutor orientation. We also hold regular tutor development nights and tutor cafés on topics of interest to tutors.
In addition, staff is always available to answer questions or meet with you and your learning partner. We also have a resource centre on site.
In addition, we will work with you and your partner to plan tutoring strategies and activities.
What if I live in another part of Toronto?
If you are interested in becoming an Adult Literacy tutor, but live and work outside our catchment area, please contact the Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy’s Literacy Access Hotline at 416-961-5557.
What if I don’t live in Toronto?
If you live outside Metro Toronto, please visit the NALD website at www.nald.ca to find a program close to you.
What if I want to get involved with St. Christopher House but I'm not sure the literacy program is for me?
St. Christopher House provides a number of other volunteer opportunities. Please visit the St. Christopher House Volunteer Website (under Get Involved) or, if you have any questions, call our volunteer developer, Fernando Lusvarghi at 416-848-7980 ext. 244.
