Volunteer with us!

Mentors in Toledo Schools (MiTS) is an in-person literacy tutoring program for students in grades K-4. We facilitate sessions from approximately 9 to 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday. We recently began offering afternoon programming as well, from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. 

While providing robust literacy instruction to schools and improving students’ reading skills are our primary goals, we also integrate social-emotional learning. Our approach encourages curiosity and critical thinking, builds confidence and empowers students to overcome challenges, which prepares them for their future.

A Volunteer Literacy Mentor provides one-on-one tutoring to students and also acts as a trusted adult and mentor. During a typical programming day, a mentor works with four students, one every half-hour, on phonics, vocabulary, reading & comprehension, and other literacy skills. We do our best to pair the same mentors and students each week to help build meaningful connections.

Scheduling is flexible; you may choose which day or days you would prefer to attend programming. We just ask for consistency each week, which also matters to the students. (We understand that illnesses, vacations and other events will arise from time to time.)

Most of our mentors volunteer once or twice a week, though we have some who prefer to attend all four days of programming. Programming runs a little over two hours in the morning or afternoon, depending on your assigned school.

Organizations can also support the program by forming a Volunteer Team and committing to provide at least one volunteer to attend programming on the same designated day each week.

We work with schools in a variety of Toledo neighborhoods. This past academic year, we provided programming to 14 schools, including 12 Toledo Public schools, along with Queen of Apostles School and Rosary Cathedral School.

As mentors go through onboarding, they will work with the Volunteer Coordinator to determine a placement. If there is a particular school you are interested in, feel free to ask if we work with them!

While we prefer volunteers with previous experience working in education or with children, we provide comprehensive training to ensure every volunteer is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support students effectively.

We are lucky to have many retired educators involved with our organization. We also have medical workers, creatives, college students and retirees with a variety of backgrounds who make excellent mentors. You simply need to have the desire to work and read with children. The role will require patience and positive encouragement. 

All materials and training will be provided to you. Basic computer skills are helpful so you can revisit digital resources and receive email communications from the organization.

Before you can begin working at a school, you will need to submit an online background check, which takes about 5 minutes to complete.