Work-Study Tutor (America Reads)

Work-Study Tutors focus on reading & math skills with elementary, middle and early high school students and support the Seattle Public Schools' effort to promote educational equity for all students, with a focus on under-resourced schools.

Not work-study eligible? See more information on volunteer tutoring.

Description

Work-Study Tutors are federal work-study eligible UW students who tutor weekly at historically under-resourced schools in Seattle. Tutors focus on reading or math skills with elementary-high school students and build strong relationships with youth by making a commitment to their tutoring site for at least 2 consecutive quarters during the academic year. Tutors support the Seattle Public Schools' effort to promote educational equity for all students, with a focus on under-resourced schools.

Work-Study Tutors will:

  • Commit to tutoring at least 6 hours per week during Winter and Spring Quarter 2027.
  • Work closely with educators and students in a K-9 setting and learn the fundamental skills beyond learning literacy. 
  • Attend required monthly cohort meetings.  
  • Participate in biweekly check-ins with the Work Study Tutoring Coordinator.  

Work-study tutors may also receive academic credit while completing their tutoring hours by enrolling in EDUC 260 and EDUC 401.

Tutors are expected to commit to working at a school for Winter and Spring Quarter 2027 for at least 6 hours/week, with the opportunity to work up to 19.5 hours a week (dependent on availability of their work study award). At this time, we are not accepting new tutors for Fall 2026.  

Required qualifications

●    Able to work closely with educators and students in a K-9 setting and willing to learn the fundamental skills behind learning literacy.
●    Currently enrolled at UW and is work study eligible (Not sure? More info here)
●    Demonstrated understanding of educational inequities and the racial and socioeconomic disparities that exist in education.
●    Ability to work independently while upholding strong communication with team members and school staff
●    Reliable and consistent attendance
●    Self-motivated to solve issues as they arise
●    Willingness to travel to a school site in Seattle via public transportation or personal vehicle
●    Tutors must be ready to commit at least 6 hours of tutoring per week for Winter and Spring Quarter.

Desired skills and abilities

●    Experience tutoring or teaching K-12 students
●    Experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds

Compensation and employment benefits

Compensation: (federal work-study eligibility required)

  • Undergraduate students: $21.50 / hour

  • Graduate students: $23.50 / hour  

Educational Benefits:
●    Tutors will learn education theory and skills behind learning literacy and math. 
●    Tutors will build relationships and connections in an elementary or middle school setting. 
●    Tutors will build community with other UW tutors serving at the same school.
 

Application questions

To apply, please complete the online application form.

You will be asked to respond to the following in 3-4 sentences each:

  • Why do you want to be a tutor for elementary, middle, or high school students with the CELE Center?
  • Please describe your experience working with youth or adults from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
  • What does educational equity mean to you and what does this look like in practice?

Application Deadline: October 11, 2026

For the 2026-2027 academic year, new tutors will be hired by the end of Fall quarter for onboarding. Tutors will begin tutoring at their school site during Winter quarter and are expected to tutor through the end of Spring quarter. If you've previously tutored through the Work-Study Tutors program and are interested in returning, please email workstudytutors@uw.edu for a potential earlier start. 

Questions about the Work-Study Tutor position can be directed to workstudytutors@uw.edu.