📖 What Is Reading Partners?
Reading Partners is a national reading and writing nonprofit that sends volunteers into under-resourced elementary schools to tutor K–5 students reading below grade level — one-on-one, in person, during the school day. A structured curriculum is fully provided, so no lesson planning is needed — just show up and follow the materials.
👥 Who Is It For?
In-Person & Online Volunteers
You prefer showing up in person over virtual calls — Reading Partners places you directly inside a school.
Readers and Writers
If literacy is your strength, this is a great fit — every session is built around reading and writing skills.
Beginners
No lesson planning needed — a full curriculum is provided so you always know exactly what to do each session.
Future Educators
Aspiring teachers or child development students who want real classroom experience working with young kids.
⚖️ Opportunities & Considerations
✅ Opportunities
- Structured curriculum fully provided — no lesson planning required
- Real in-person connection with your student, inside their school
- Research-backed program with proven results in improving reading outcomes
- Volunteer training and ongoing support from Reading Partners staff
- Operating in major cities nationwide with established local chapters
Considerations
- Sessions are scheduled during school hours, which limits availability for students and working adults
- Only available in cities with an active Reading Partners chapter
- Narrow subject focus — reading and writing only, not math or science
🚀 How to Get Started
Find your local chapter
Visit readingpartners.org and use the site to locate the chapter nearest to you. Reading Partners operates in select cities, so availability depends on your location.
Submit a volunteer application
Apply online through your local chapter's page. You'll share your availability, schedule, and any relevant background. Most programs require you to commit for the full school year.
Complete a background check
Because you'll be working with minors inside a school, a background clearance is required. This is standard for any school-based volunteer role and is typically processed quickly.
Attend volunteer orientation
Reading Partners provides a training session before you begin. You'll learn how to use the curriculum materials, how to run a session effectively, and what to do if a student is struggling.
Start weekly in-person sessions
Visit your partner school once or twice a week during the school day. You'll meet your student in a designated reading space and work through the provided curriculum together for about 45 minutes per session.
💬 What Volunteers Are Saying
Reviews sourced from Indeed.
Fun volunteer work with kids from underrepresented communities
"Getting to work with students is rewarding. I tutor online so each day is simple — log in, meet coordinator, tutor student, log off, fill in session notes."
Good place to work
"I had a supportive supervisor who mentored me and offered continuous support. The rigorous AmeriCorps program guided me to become a competent and confident teacher."
Very rewarding, but room for improvement
"Curriculum is well-designed and maximizes student progress. However, upper management offers low support and minimal contact with tutors, and scheduling leaves little time to complete post-session notes."
Flexibility
"Great place to work or volunteer at. Flexible with when you can help out. The staff is extremely helpful, supportive, and will go out of their way to encourage you."
Overview of Reading Partners
"Truly a great program that makes a real difference in students' academic growth. The structure helps tutors feel prepared and the mission is meaningful. One thing to know: there are no sick days and you are responsible for making up missed hours, which can be challenging."
Fun workplace and great to learn
"The best thing about working as an intern is that they give you lots of opportunities in areas you're interested in. They trust you with ideas and opinions and are all very kind and supportive."
Fun experience but could be stressful
"A great opportunity to make connections with folks who share the same values. The difficulty and stress vary depending on your school's cooperation, deadlines, and sometimes low staffing."
Great
"I had a great time working for Reading Partners as an AmeriCorps Member. I met a lot of wonderful people and the students were such little angels. Grateful for this opportunity."
Great and loving.
"I love to see the smiles on students' faces when they figure something out. I've been with Reading Partners for 3.5 years — helping students who are 6 months to 2 years behind get up to grade level has been a wonderful experience."