Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to have experience teaching?

ALP training practicum No. The program is geared to train everyone who wishes to help a child. You will be thoroughly trained to prepare and deliver Augustine lessons.

Who do you tutor?

We tutor primarily low-income first through third grade students, who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch and are at least one grade level below in reading. The student does need to have a good attendance record.

What makes an Augustine lesson unique?

ALP lessons allow students to process reading in an alternative way through a pattern of hearing, saying, touching, seeing, writing and reading each word following a strict lesson plan customized to their level.

I am interested in becoming an Augustine Tutor. What do I have to do?

Please fill out and submit our training inquiry form. You will be contacted to schedule a time to talk about training details, the time commitment and cost.

Do I have to pay to be trained as an Augustine Tutor?

It costs ALP approximately $1,250 to train and support an Augustine tutor. Over $400 worth of materials will be provided to you. We ask you to pay a non-refundable $150 training fee to help offset the administrative costs for background checks and child safety training. ALP pays for all other costs with monies donated from various sources.

How much time does the Augustine Tutor Training take to complete?

This experience has taught me a great deal about the reality that some of these kids face and to enjoy the successes when they come, focus on the signs of progress, and know that the time spent tutoring is probably the best spent time of my day.

The 70 hours of training includes precourse assignments, classroom instruction, and a practicum.

Readings and video lessons are assigned before training classes begin, and homework is assigned during training. These are combined with classroom training to fulfill the required 70 hours of training without additional days in class. You may request a pre-course training partner to help you prepare for the quiz on the advance material. A minimum score of 80% on the pre-course assignment quiz is required before you start class. You must also successfully complete an online course of training regarding safe practices when working with a child and agree to a background check.

The eight-session training classes are offered with a variety of schedules. Additional reading and homework assignments will also be required between class sessions.

Following the classroom portion of the training, you will begin working with your Augustine student. An experienced mentor tutor will be available to answer questions on the initial assessment and review your first few lessons plans. You will then continue tutoring that child for the remainder of the school year. When you have completed 60 lessons along with a successful lesson observation by a certified Augustine tutor, you will receive your Certificate of Completion of the Augustine training.

I understand there is a service commitment required of me if I complete the course. What is it?

You commit to deliver 60 pro-bono lessons to qualified ALP students. This is typically two lessons per week while school is in session. Sometimes, due to vacations and other reasons, you may have to go into the next school year, possibly with a new student.

We hope you will enjoy the tutoring experience and choose to continue beyond the 60-hour requirement. The success of our program depends upon committed tutors who return year after year to tutor one child and change two lives.

How is a student selected for me to tutor?

The ALP Director and/or lead tutor at the school works together with school administrators/community center program directors to select the student.

Where and when will I be able to tutor?

You will tutor at the student's school or afterschool program, or another public space such as a library at a time that is convenient to you and fits the student's schedule, typically two, 45 minute sessions per week.

When is the next Training Class?

The eight-session training classes are offered with a variety of schedules including weekday and weekend formats.

I am a current Augustine Tutor who would like a refresher course. Do I need to register and pay again for another Training Class?

Active ALP tutors must notify the Director of your intent to participate in the class if you plan to participate in practice lessons with a mentor tutor. Otherwise, feel free to audit all or any part of the course.

What certification will I have when I complete training?

After completing the course and your first year of tutoring, you will receive an Augustine certificate of course completion, not an Orton-Gillingham document.

Submit an inquiry form to learn if this training course is for you.