About VIP Tutoring Program
Volunteer in Paradise (VIP) Tutors provide one-on-one and small group instruction to students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Teachers nominate students who qualify for tutoring and provide the appropriate curriculum. VIPs partner with teachers to provide reading and math instruction. Students receive in person and/or virtual instruction by dedicated adult tutors during the school day or after school.
All VIPs receive 8 hours of initial training to become effective, confident tutors and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a child’s life. If you would like to learn more, please contact Marisha Geraghty, VIP Coordinator, at (602) 449-2053 or via email VolunteerInParadise@pvschools.net.
Sign Up for Volunteer Orientation
We have not yet resumed our in-person Orientation sessions; however, please sign up using the button above and we will contact you once they resume. Attend an orientation to find out whether the award-winning Volunteer in Paradise program is the right opportunity for you. Orientations are held once per month (with the exception of December) beginning in June and ending in February. Orientations are held at the Paradise Valley Unified School District Offices on 32nd Street, just south of Greenway Road, at 15002 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85032.
See the VIP Program in Action at Desert Shadows Elementary
Volunteer in Paradise! Recruitment for the 2021-22 School Year Is Now Under Way!
We are looking for dedicated, high-quality volunteers seeking meaningful opportunities to make a difference. Volunteer tutors are needed in all subject areas in kindergarten through grade 8. Opportunities may be available at many of our elementary and middle schools.
Our volunteers recommend the VIP program to friends and family seeking volunteer opportunities.
Our teachers report that the academic achievement of their students increases due to the additional academic intervention provided by our volunteers.
Our volunteers will:
- Work one-on-one or with small groups of children with the goal of increasing their achievement.
- Serve as caring adult role models.
- Receive professional training to prepare for working in a classroom.
- Develop a supportive working relationship with teachers.
- Become part of a school community.
- Meet new friends through continuing education seminars and socials.
Requirements:
- Volunteer at least one day per week for a predetermined schedule.
- Work from one to 10 hours per week during school hours.
- Commit to the entire academic school year ending in May.
- Complete a fingerprint background check upon making a commitment.
- Attend the two-hour volunteer orientation and two half-days of professional training.
2021 Service Enterprise Certification Awarded to VIP
Points of Light
Points of Light has awarded certification to Volunteer in Paradise to be a Service Enterprise. VIP joins the top 11 percent of nonprofits nationwide in volunteer management and organizational performance and is the only school district with a program in Arizona to hold this prestigious distinction. Achieving this certification signifies that VIP has the capability and management expertise to strategically use volunteers to improve the performance of the organization. The rigorous process took 12 months to complete, and entailed partnering with the ASU Lodestar Center, which provided coaching and training to the VIP Administrator and the Leadership Team. VIP will be up for re-certification in 2024.
2017 Golden Bell Promise Programs Award Winner
Arizona School Boards Association
PVSchools Volunteer in Paradise (VIP) program received the Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) Golden Bell Promise Programs Award for Excellence in Collaboration during the Golden Bell Promise Programs Luncheon at the ASBA-ASA Annual Conference. The Golden Bell Promise Award recognizes school programs throughout Arizona that have shown outstanding successes in student growth.
Read about the Golden Bell award.
See a video of the Volunteer In Paradise and VIP College Corps programs in action.
2015 First Place Magna Award
National School Boards Association
Now in their 21st year, the Magna Awards recognize school districts and their leaders who take bold and innovative steps to improve the lives of their students and their communities. An independent panel of school board members, administrators and other educators selected the winners from nearly 250 submissions, and the presentation was made at NSBA's Annual Conference in Nashville.