The Spring 2024 Tutoring Program Application is now open! If you have any questions, please email us at tutor@stairnola.org.

How can I be a STAIR volunteer tutor?

• To be a STAIR tutor, you must be a live in the New Orleans Greater area, be 18 years or older, complete an online application, and pass a background check

• STAIR tutors are enthusiastic about reading and excited to make a positive impact in the life of a child

Where does tutoring take place?

• STAIR tutoring takes place virtually online or in-person at select school-sites throughout greater New Orleans

When does tutoring take place? 

• Virtual tutoring occurs Monday - Thursday, between 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 

• In-Person tutoring occurs Monday - Thursday, and the time varies by school site

• Tutors are asked to spend 15 minutes prior to each lesson reviewing materials, and 15 minutes after each lesson submitting a brief report

How do tutors support their students?

• STAIR tutors are provided all resources needed to successfully tutor their students. This includes a placement assessment, teacher-developed STAIR curriculum, all books and related materials, and training prior to the start of tutoring. 

How often does tutoring take place? 

• The 11-week Spring 2024 Program will start mid-Semester and run through early May

• Virtual tutors commit to one hour of tutoring, once a week, at the same day and time online

• In-Person tutors commit to one hour of tutoring, once a week, at the same day and time at their school site

What do I do if I need to be absent from a tutoring session?

You should notify your Site Director, or virtual coordinator, giving him/her as much advance notice as possible.

My student is having difficulty with his homework and has asked me to help him with it when he comes to STAIR.  He has no one else to help him.   What should I do?

The STAIR policy is that tutors do not provide homework help.  Our mission is to help them read better, which will eventually make schoolwork easier.

While at STAIR he should be working in the STAIR curriculum.

I have a children’s book at home that I think my student would enjoy. There’s not a copy in the site library.   May I bring it to STAIR to read with my student?

Absolutely!

I have some concerns about my student that I would like to discuss with their parent or guardian. 

You should not speak directly to the parents of your student regarding concerns about their academics. You should discuss your concerns with the Site Director or email tutor@stairnola.org.

I’ve become quite fond of my student and would like to give her a Christmas and/or birthday gift.  Any problem with that?

It is against STAIR policy for tutors to give students individual gifts, because we want all the children at a site to be treated equally.  Every site will have a holiday celebration.  The site director and tutors at each site usually arrange for the children to receive one or more gifts.  You should check with your site director to find out the procedure at your site.

My student has a lot of energy when he comes to STAIR, is it OK if I have them do some jumping jacks before we begin tutoring? 

Yes, you can try that.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it only serves to stimulate a child further.  Sometimes finding the right book at the beginning of the session that truly absorbs them will redirect their energy in a good way. Feel free to experiment and see what works best for your student.

My student will not sit still in his chair while I’m tutoring.   

It’s not necessary for him to sit in his chair.  Although he is not allowed to move around and be disruptive, he can certainly stand while he is reading or the two of you can sit on the floor if you like.  Recent research shows that some children, particularly boys, actually think better standing rather than sitting. 

I would like to know more about the Wellness Policy and other subjects we’ve touched on.  How can I get more information about STAIR?

STAIR has a Volunteer Handbook that is given out at the beginning of each semester that provides more information about tutoring. We will send weekly newsletters with information on each tutoring week. If there is anything else you need clarification on, please feel free to email us at tutor@stairnola.org with any questions or concerns. Thank you!