Once you are familiar with the volunteer's demeanor and capabilities, you may wish to assign him or her to work with a particular student. In that case, consult privately with both parties before and after their first session together to assure yourself that the relationship is satisfactory to both. Try to at least get a general feel after each volunteer tutor visit of how things are going. DO NOT HESITATE to terminate student/volunteer commitments if either party seems dissatisfied. There is always another student who needs help and another volunteer who will fill a need. Encourage the student and volunteer to exchange phone numbers so that they can notify each other directly if one or the other will not be able to make their scheduled session together. Try to build their reliance upon one another without you in the middle. You are not being replaced; you are being augmented. In some situtations volunteers do not wish to give phone numbers. There should be another alternative.

Encourage your volunteers to be flexible enough to assist someone else if their particular student is absent.

Thank your volunteers often, equally, and profusely. Be sure you greet them each time they arrive and express your gratitude as they leave. You should encourage students to do the same. From time to time (holidays, Volunteer Appreciation Week) you may want to give them a small token of your gratitude, or your students can make or sign a card.

Use volunteers to accompany you on field trips or to stay in the classroom with non-participants when you are on a field trip.

Often you will discover a particular teaching talent among your volunteers. Ask the talented person to present a short lesson on something they love ó a place they have visited, a math problem they have created, etc. The students will love it, and you will get a break.

Each year, nominate one or more of your volunteers for Volunteer of the Year recognition. The experience will encourage them to increase their participation and to invite others to join them.

Expect respect from your volunteer. If you find yourself engaged in conflict or one-up­manship with a volunteer, it might be best for the volunteer to find another class in which to work. Refer such problems to the Volunteer Coordinator in your district as soon as possible.