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Who is an academic mentor?
An academic mentor is someone who volunteers their time to go into a K-12 classroom in the Boston Public Schools and tutor a child in reading, writing and/or math. They commit to spending the year with the same student or small group of students every week and form a bond with them that goes beyond academic.
What volunteer opportunities are available?
Boston Partners in Education offers a variety of volunteer opportunities – all related to academic mentoring. They include one-on-one or small group tutoring in reading, writing and/or math.
Where can I tutor?
The Boston Public Schools need volunteers throughout the city to work with students in grades K-12. Last year, Boston Partners in Education matched students with volunteers in nearly 70 schools.
Can I choose the school at which I volunteer?
You can choose to volunteer at a participating school that is conveniently located near your home or work. The choices depend on your availability and interests, as well as the needs of the school.
Do I need a car in order to volunteer?
No. Most schools are accessible by public transportation. We can place you at a school that is conveniently located near a T or bus stop.
What hours can I volunteer?
Most volunteers work during school hours (7:30 am - 3:20 pm, depending on the school). There are also some after school, evening, and weekend programs.
How often do I meet with my student(s)?
We have a variety of programs with different commitment levels, including one-time speaking engagements. It is preferable for volunteers in our on-going programs to commit through the end of the school year due to the mentoring component included in these programs. The longer a student is paired with the same academic mentor, the greater the benefit to the student. Most volunteers meet with their student at least once a week for an hour, but commitments vary.
Is a college education necessary to volunteer?
No, a college education is not necessary.
How do I get started?
Complete the Volunteer Application form and a staff person from Boston Partners in Education will contact you. If you prefer, after filling out the registration form, you can call the office at 617.451.6145 and ask for Barbara Harris. She will be happy to schedule you for an interview.
How long does the interview take?
Up to one hour, plus transportation.
Where does the interview take place?
At Boston Partners in Education’s offices at 44 Farnsworth Street, Boston.
Is training available?
Yes. Training is required before being matched with a student in the Boston Public Schools, and lasts about two and a half hours.
When does the training take place?
Boston Partners in Education holds training sessions throughout the year. For a current training schedule, please call Marc Saunders, 617.451.6145.
Where does the training take place?
Most training sessions take place at our offices at 44 Farnsworth Street, Boston. Training may also be available off site for large groups (greater than 10 people). Please contact Marc Saunders, 617.451.6145 for details.
Are there any requirements to volunteer?
Yes. We require annual Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) background checks. Boston Partners in Education processes these background checks.
Are there any summer opportunities?
Please call Boston Partners at 617.451.6145 for more information about summer opportunities.
How does Boston Partners in Education know which schools are in need of volunteers?
We match students and volunteers in response to written requests from teachers and principals. Thus, a volunteer will always know that the teacher is in need of help.
How does a parent get a tutor/mentor for his/her Boston Public School child through Boston Partners in Education?
Because we match students and volunteers in response to requests from teachers, parents should speak with their child’s teacher if they feel their child could benefit from having an academic mentor. The teacher will need to fill out a Teacher Request for Volunteer Services form. After the teacher returns the completed form, we can begin recruiting a suitable volunteer. While we try to fill every request, it is not always possible to do so. Please keep in mind that Boston Partners in Education only serves the public schools within the City of Boston.
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