Volunteering at Seattle Public Schools
Getting Started as a Volunteer
Our primary goal is for volunteers and the students they work with to have a positive learning experience. To begin volunteering with Seattle Public Schools, there are a few simple steps that you need to complete.
1. Identify the School or Program
A great way to narrow your choices is to decide if you have a preference for working with elementary, middle or high school students, or if you are interested in working with a particular group of students or type of program. Some people choose a school that is nearby their home or work. You might also choose from the list of additional volunteer opportunities.
2. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator
If you are interested in working with a particular school, please contact that school directly. Not all schools have a Volunteer Coordinators, but all schools have someone able to respond people interested in being a volunteer in there school or programs.
3. Complete Forms
There are two forms that you need to complete and submit directly to the school or program with which you would like to work. These can be found on this site at the links below, or can be provided by the school.
The Volunteer Application offers the school important contact and emergency information as well as some specific details about your interests and experience so the school can find an appropriate role for you.
The two-sided Screening Form requests information about criminal background and authorizes Seattle Schools to complete a background check through the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) system. This is an important step in ensuring the safety of our students.
*Please note: While all volunteers must be screened through the WATCH system, a criminal history does not automatically disqualify one from volunteering in the schools. Learn more about screening and criminal history background checks.
4. Identify Role, Schedule, and Expectations
Meet with the Volunteer Coordinator, teacher, or other school staff member you will be working with while volunteering. You should confirm your volunteer schedule, what you will do at the school, the expectations for communication, and general school or classroom guidelines.
5. Trainings
Please check with the school or program Volunteer Coordinator for training and orientation opportunities.
All-City Tutor Trainings
Free Tutor Trainings are organized every year by the Seattle Tutoring Coalition. A variety of topics are offered at each training including such workshops as: Basics of Reading for the Elementary Student, Motivating Your Student, Hands-on Elementary Math, Tutoring in Middle Schools and Tutoring ESL Students.
2012-2013 Training Schedule will be posted as soon as available. Please check here in September 2012.
LOCATION ( trainings): October 11th ACTT at Aki Kurose Middle School Academy 3928 South Graham Street in Seattle.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Tutors, Volunteer Coordinators, School Staff, Families, Out-of-School Time Providers, Peer Tutors, anyone interested!
HOW DO YOU REGISTER? Pre-register on the web at http://www.seattletutoringcoalition.org/ by phone 253-815-3066, or arrive early on the day of training to register in-person.
WHAT'S THE COST? These workshops are FREE to attend!
Most recent flyer: All-City Tutor Training see a sample of workshops.