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Tutors at the literacy council meet with learners in one of two different programs: ESOL( English for speakers of other languages), or basic literacy for English Speakers. These programs provide wonderful volunteer opportunities for people who want to teach students individually rather than in a group situation. Each tutor is matched with one student to whom the tutor provides individualized instruction, aimed at helping the student achieve his or her own learning goals. Each pair of tutors and students meets once or twice a week for a total of approximately two hours per week. Volunteers in the tutoring programs have considerable flexibility, since each tutor/student pair sets its own schedule and meets at any public place, such as a library or community center, that is convenient to both members.
Tutors do not need to know a foreign language or to have any prior experience in education. They need only a desire to assist an adult to read, write, or speak English. The Council provides its tutors with all the initial training they need through a training workshop which extends over five consecutive Mondays. Upon completion of their training, volunteers are matched with learners. Continued support is provided through regularly scheduled in-services, a quarterly newsletter, and individual assistance by PCLC staff and long-term volunteers. The Literacy Council also maintains a resource library which includes a wide range of supplemental materials.
We request our tutors to work with their students for at least a year. Many tutors, however, stay with the program much longer and develop long-term relationships with their students. These relationships are extremely rewarding to the tutors as well as to their students. Improvements in student self-confidence are often apparent from the start, and our tutors experience great satisfaction from helping their students achieve their goals and improve their lives. Volunteer Tutor Requirements:
•Be able to speak, read, write, and understand English
•Attend a Tutor Training workshop, given in the Fall and Spring
•Commit an average of two hours each week instructional time with a student
•Give a six month commitment.
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