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"Answers to the 17 Most Frequently-Asked Questions by Potential Literacy Volunteers"

1. How do I become a tutor/and or volunteer?

You need to attend a 12-hour training in either Basic Reading or English-for-Speakers-of-Other-Languages. You may choose to take one or the other, or both. (Office volunteers or Board Members need only attend an orientation session.)

2. What is my time commitment after training?

The recommended time for meeting one-on-one with a student is 1.5 to 2 hrs depending on your availability and the attention span of your student. There is also lesson planning, which varies—it depends on your student, the subject matter, etc, from 1 hr to 1.5 hrs. (not necessarily every wk.)

3. What are my responsibilities?

Aside from being reliable, we ask that tutors report instructional and preparation hours and the student’s achievements on a quarterly basis. Two of these reports will be in writing and 2 over the phone. (We do try to make them as “painless” as possible!)

4. What qualifications do I need?

Volunteer tutors need only to be able to read, write and speak English, and understand the importance of literacy.

5. What resources are available?

LC has an adult-appropriate library of Basic Reading and English-for Speakers-of-Other-Languages workbooks and teacher’s manuals, and a copier. We also have staff on hand with whom you can consult.

6. What support do I have?

Our Lead Trainer and Area Coordinators will provide ongoing advice on techniques and strategies as well as intercede with the student on your behalf to encourage attendance and reliability.

7. What are the definitions of “learner-centered” and “functionally illiterate”?

LC is devoted to the idea of a curriculum based on our students’ personal goals. (I.e. If the student wants to improve his or her work skills, the curriculum is comprised of his work-related materials. If the student wants to pass the driver’s permit test, the Drivers’ Manual becomes the tutor’s text. “Functionally Illiterate” means that the student is not able to read or write well enough to fulfill his personal goals. (Generally this has come to mean reading at below a 6th grade level.)

8. What are the learner’s needs?

Every student has different goals, but LC’s mission is to serve adults 18 and over, or emancipated youths at least 16 yrs old, who read below a 6th grade level or need help reading, writing or learning to speak English. We also serve any person who feels that he/she needs help in literacy but doesn’t feel comfortable in a classroom setting.

9. What should I expect from the student?

Our students are oriented to understand that they need to be reliable for their volunteer tutors and should be willing to put in 50% or more of the effort that it takes for them to progress in literacy. All students are given an entry interview and evaluation to determine academic grade level or level from 1 to 6 of English-speaking ability.

Literacy Connections | Volunteer Tutoring Adults & Children, Project READ, Annual Community Spelling Bee, English Learning Centers