Frequently Asked Questions

What do Tutor/Mentors do? 

Most tutors In our program work as classroom assistants.  The teacher may want a tutor to work with a specific learner, with a small group or as a floating helper responding to individual  needs. Usually the teacher designs the lesson, but some tutors have taken on the responsibility of teaching sections of class.

Tutors are placed in one of two kinds of classes - ESOL, where  students are working  on understanding, speaking, reading and writing English, or Adult Basic Education where students study reading, writing and math in preparation for taking the GED exam.

Where would I tutor?

The Holyoke Tutor/Mentor Program is a member of the Juntos Collaborative, a group of agencies providing ABE and ESOL classes in Holyoke. We also provide tutors to ABE programs located at Holyoke Community College. Some tutors meet with learners at the Holyoke Public Library. Sites are identified and located on this map.

When would I tutor?

Tutoring sessions are scheduled at a time convenient for you. Most classes are held between Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and Tuesday - Thursday 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. There are a few additional class hours, and sometimes students ask for tutoring outside of class time

Who would I tutor?

Our learners range from 16 years of age on up - there is no upper age limit.  They are men and women from nearby Holyoke and from as far away as Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe. Some have had little education while others have advanced degrees but are limited by their lack of English language skills. What unites them is the desire to improve their lives through education.

Will I have to do Math?!   (or another subject I don't like?)

Tutoring matches are designed to be convenient and comfortable for the tutor. During your interview you will be asked what subjects you'd prefer to tutor and at what level.  If the idea of doing math (or creative writing or any other subject) seems too challenging, you will not be asked to do so. But be aware that tutors have surprised themselves by jumping into conversations about fractions and decimals and having a good time!

Will you train me?

We provide a 12 hour training followed by classroom observation. The training is interactive, participatory and covers a wide range of topics. We discuss Adult Learners, Creating Relationships & Clear Boundaries, Learning Styles & Learning Disabilities, Cross Cultural issues as well as the content areas of reading, writing, math and ESOL. After the training tutors are invited to attend periodic meetings and trainings to develop their skills and have a forum for discussing tutoring scenarios.

How many hours do I have to tutor? How long of a commitment is this?

We ask that tutor/mentors volunteer once a week for at least an hour at a time. The ideal tutoring session lasts for a whole class, generally 2 - 3 hours. The length of commitment is as flexible as it needs to be to accommodate the changing lives of tutor/mentors. We do ask, however, that you try to make a six-month commitment.

I don't think I can tutor because I don't speak Spanish (or another language).

You do not need to speak another language to be an effective tutor. Most ABE students are studying in English, and ESOL classes are taught in English. If you can speak the students' first language we actually prefer that you do not use it with them. The limited hours they  spend in class are often the only time they speak English all week.

I am fluent in Spanish - how can I help?

We have a few Spanish language ABE classes. We need tutors with good Spanish writing and/or math  skills. Please contact us!

What is a CORI/ Do I Need a CORI?

The CORI stands for Criminal Offender Record Information and is a record of your Massachusetts criminal history. This includes any time you were arraigned in court on a criminal charge, no matter what the final outcome of the charge was. A CORI is required of tutors in some of our locations. If your CORI indicates you have been arraigned it does not automatically exclude you from tutoring, it depends on the nature of the event.

Where can I learn more information/ask other questions?

Please contact us! The program coordinator would be happy to speak with you and/or arrange for you to sit in on classes and speak with other tutors.

How do I apply?

Contact our office at (413) 534-3376 x104 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it