How to Get Involved
I’ve loved my experience with the D.C. Schools Project so far. It’s so cool to get involved in kids’ lives and experience a different culture. It’s also been really interesting learning different teaching and tutoring styles. I can’t wait to get more involved!
-- DCSP Tutor
Joining the D.C. Schools Project is as easy as A-B-C!
The average weekly time commitment for a DCSP tutor is about 5 hours. If you are interested in education, literacy, children and youth, or immigration... or if you just want to have some fun with kids and other Georgetown students and get a change of scenery off campus, you should join DCSP! Proficiency in a foreign language is not required, although Spanish, Chinese, Vietnames and Amharic speakers are highly encouraged to apply. Here's how...
A. Attend an information session
Come learn what the DCSP experience is like from the DCSP coordinators! Learn about what tutors get out of the experience and what tutors need to commit to. Information sessions for Fall 2009 are scheduled as follows:
Thursday, September 3rd, 9:15-10:00pm, ICC 102
Tuesday, September 8th, 9:15-10:00pm, ICC 102
Wednesday, September 9th, 9:15-10:00pm, ICC 102
Thursday, September 10th, 9:15-10:00pm, ICC 102
Monday, September 14th, 9:15-10:00pm, ICC 102
Tuesday, September 15th, 9:15-10:00pm, ICC 102
By the end of the session, if you are sure you can commit for at least one semester (hopefully more!), you can...
B. Fill out an Application
This will help us place you in your preferred program(s). If you want to be a step ahead of the crowd, you can download the form and bring it to the information session with you. The sooner you turn in your application, the more likely you are to get your top first or second choice of programs! Applications for Fall 2009 will be accepted until Wednesday, September 16th.
C. Attend the Preservice Training
At our preservice training, you will learn more about the immigration community, research-based strategies that support literacy development, techniques for working with ESL students, strategies to manage behavior and increase motivation, how to assess your tutees'/adult students' literacy level, how to create a well-rounded lesson plan, and more tools and strategies to help you be as effective as possible!
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How will I get to my tutoring site?
A: DCSP uses vans from the Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching and Service. The vans are driven by the DCSP coordinators and other certified drivers. In fact, we are always looking for more certified drivers to help transport tutors to their sites. If you are interested in becoming a certified driver, please contact Frank Brinkofski at Risk Management.
Q: Can I get paid for tutoring?
A: If you have a federal work-study award, you can get paid as a DCSP tutor. The starting rate is $9.50/hour.
Q: What kinds of support will I receive as a tutor?
A: Each semester, DCSP organizes a Tutor Enrichment Night to provide tutors with more tutoring ideas. At these events, we also invite professionals and other experts from the community (e.g., teachers, social workers, immigration lawyers) to help tutors understand the larger social issues that impact the children, families, and adults whom they serve.
In addition, tutors receive ongoing support from their coordinators and the DCSP director through one-on-one conferences, meetings, and observations.
