Becoming an NHR Tutor

How do I become a New Haven Reads tutor?

First, click here to complete a volunteer application. Look carefully when you hit ‘Submit’! The submission confirmation page will instruct you on how to sign up for a tutor orientation.

For those interested in tutoring, you will have a 1.5 hour group orientation with a member of the Outreach Team. In this orientation, we will discuss the science of reading, our tutoring structure, best tutoring practices, and our NHR Conduct Policy. Tutors must be able to make a consistent weekly commitment. The orientation is also a great opportunity to ask questions about the program!

If you are interested in volunteering in the Book Bank or as a Field Trip Reader, please email books@newhavenreads.org. Our Book Bank Manager, Victoria Smith, will then set up an interview with you.

After your orientation, you will receive onboarding instructions. The paperwork required of our volunteers is as follows

1. Conduct Policy
This is a list of rules and regulations. We require a signed Conduct Policy from all tutors. Minors must also have their Conduct Policies signed by a parent or guardian. A PDF copy of the Conduct Policy can be found here.

2. Background Checks
For the safety of our students, we require two background checks for all potential tutors over the age of 18: a criminal background check and a DCF background check. 

  • Criminal Background Check: This is a criminal background check and it requires some basic personal information which will be collected via an encrypted email sent to you directly from CheckR. The criminal check costs $25.49. NHR covers the cost of tutor background checks. If you would like to make a donation to cover this cost please click here. 
  • DCF Background check: Volunteers 18 years and older must complete a DCF release form. NHR will email you a copy of your report as soon as it is received from DCF. There is no cost for this background check.

3. Preferences Form
This is a Google Form that asks your preferred location(s), day(s)/time(s), and age group for tutoring. This form also asks basic information to help our team to assign you to the most appropriate student. The form also allows for the option of first shadowing a tutoring session.

Once all of your onboarding materials are complete, our Volunteer Coordinator, Indigo, will reach out to put you in contact with your Site Director. You can contact her at indigo@newhavenreads.org if you have any questions.


Once all of your onboarding materials are complete, a member of the Outreach Team will reach out to put you in contact with your Site Director.