The Koopersmith Family Literacy + Math Program
Become A Tutor, Change a Life
Over the past 25+ years, The Koopersmith Family Literacy + Math Program at the JCC has trained hundreds of volunteers of all ages (14+) to help public school students who perform below grade level. Interested in changing a life? Join us to demonstrate your commitment to reducing learning loss and closing the opportunity gap among New York City's school children.
Reading Buddies at PS 84 + PS 163 | Monday–Thursday, 10 am–1 pm
Read with academically struggling students in grades 1–5 during students’ lunch and recess. Commitments start at one 50-minute session/week.
School Day Academic Tutoring at PS 87 | Monday–Thursday, 8 am–2:30 pm
Volunteer to support academically struggling students in grades 1–5 during the day. Tutors provide elementary school children with consistent individualized literacy and math support. Commitments start at one 50-minute session/week.
Learn + Play: ELL After School at PS 163 | Monday–Thursday, 3:30–5 pm
Under the guidance of PS 163 teachers, support English Language Learners ages 5–10 as they develop English proficiency, social-emotional skills, and academic skills after school. Commitments start at one 90-minute session/week.
West Side Commons + JCC After School | Monday–Thursday, 3:30–6 pm*
Holistically support students in a longstanding community after-school program serving elementary schoolers from low-income backgrounds. After one hour of academic intervention and homework help, volunteers support West Side Commons staff in implementing whole- and small-group literacy, play, fitness, and art activities. Commitments start at one 150-minute session per week.
*Please note that West Side Commons is a Department of Health site that requires additional screening measures. These include a completed OC2-step Tuberculin skin test, additional fingerprinting, 3 required trainings (Sexual Harassment, Mandated Reporter, and Foundations in Health & Safety), and a resume. All materials must be completed and received by West Side Commons staff before your first day.
Tutoring Commitment
Tutoring is a yearlong commitment. Tutoring sessions begin in October and run through May. Volunteers are required to adhere to a consistent tutoring schedule, with no more than two unexcused tutor absences in an academic year. This ensures that students get the support and consistency they need to succeed.
How can I register as a tutor for the 2024–25 school year?
You can fill out this registration form!
I can't tutor during the school day and or after school on the Upper West Side. Will I still be able to tutor this year?
In order to best meet the needs of our students and school partners, session times have been set in alignment with existing school day and after-school schedules. We are unfortunately not able to accommodate tutoring outside of these hours.
What is the commitment to be a tutor? Can I change my tutoring commitment once I register?
Consistency is crucial for all elementary school children, and especially so for the children we serve. We ask that all volunteers commit to at least one session per week, and have consistent attendance each week.
What kind of training and preparation will I receive as a tutor?
The Koopersmith Family Literacy + Math Program cannot and will not replace existing instruction provided by certified teachers and school-based specialists. However, our tutors will be trained to make a difference. We will also hold monthly workshops and training for volunteers to learn new tutoring skills, get to know other tutors, and exchange ideas.
I have tutoring and/or education experience. Can I support newer tutors?
The wisdom of experienced tutors and educators is an invaluable resource to fellow volunteers and community members. When you register, please indicate on the form that you have relevant experience. We will reach out to you about opportunities for leadership. We will also provide opportunities for all tutors to speak to one another, in person and virtually, to share questions, challenges, ideas, and solutions with one another.
Generous support for JCC literacy and math programs is provided, in part, by The Louis and Anne Abrons Foundation, Inc., The Gural Family Foundation, The Taft Foundation, and individual donors.