According to the Literacy Volunteers of America,* a good tutor has the following traits…

Good tutors are...

Learner–centred

• Focus on learner goals
• Develop a partnership with the learner

Patient

• Recognize learning another language takes a lifetime
• Know patience keeps up learner morale
• Provide a comfortable environment

Respectful

• Value the learners' life experiences
• Treat the learner as an adult

Creative

• Use basic teaching techniques, learner needs and creativity to make lessons

Adaptable

• Change plans when a lesson isn't working
• Adapt to learners interests

Culturally sensitive

• Learn about the learner's background
• Learn more about the learner's culture

* Judy Blankenship Cheatham et al., Tutor: A Collaborative Approach to Literacy Instruction (Syracuse, New York: New Readers Press, 1993), p. 28. Used with permission. Ruth Johnson Colvin, I Speak English (Syracuse, New York: New Readers Press, 1997), pp. 28 – 32. Used with permission.