Steps to Becoming a Volunteer Literacy Tutor

You can help an adult learner if you are 18 years old or older, have a high school diploma or GED, can read above the 8th grade level, and can commit to tutoring two hours each week for one year. In addition to meeting these requirements, you must attend a 16-hour New Tutor Workshop that includes a one-hour orientation followed by three sessions that focus on what is necessary to assist a native speaker with lower-level reading skills. The last two sessions focus on tutoring English as a Second Language (ESL) as we would like all volunteers to explore both options for tutoring. To learn more about literacy and sign up for a workshop series, download and read the documents accessible above. After faxing, emailing or sending in your registration form by mail, you will receive a confirmation of your workshop registration. After attending all six sessions of your workshop, including any make-up sessions, you will be paired with an adult learner whom you can meet for tutoring in our learning center at our office in Rockford, at Ida Public Library in Belvidere, or North Surburban District Library in Loves Park.

 Steps to Becoming a Volunteer ESL Tutor

The basic requirements for becoming an English as a Second Language (ESL) tutor are the same as those for becoming a literacy tutor, and note, you do not need to be able to speak a foreign language in order to help someone learn English. As stated above, the 16-hour New Tutor Workshop includes a one-hour orientation followed by three sessions that focus on teaching reading. The last two sessions are devoted to teaching one how to work with a non-native speaker on all language skills. After attending training, you will be paired with a non-native English speaker. Tutors are currently working with ESL students at all three of our locations, The Literacy Council in Rockford, North Surburban Public Library in Loves Park, and Ida Public Library in Belvidere. If it is more convenient for both of you, it is possible to meet your adult learner for tutoring at public locations apart from those listed.

Mail, fax or email your completed registration form at least one day before your workshop begins.

Send forms to:  982 N. Main St., Rockford, IL 61103

Fax to: (815) 963-7347

Email to: read@theliteracycouncil.org

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