Volunteer Tutor Training
What Tutor's Are Saying about Training
“Excellent class!”
“Training has been very very helpful and useful!! J Great job and thanks-a-million.”
“The homework assignment made me feel good to make-up (a lesson plan). Loved ESOL strategy!”
“Each assignment ‘opens my eyes’ to more understanding of this whole literacy thing!”
“I learned how to apply different learning techniques and the importance of communicating with learners.”
“I learned that there is more than one ‘method’ of teaching.”
“I found the interaction, information and atmosphere very useful to my picturing myself as a tutor. I felt welcomed and appreciated.…”
Becoming an adult literacy tutor is a wonderful experience. Many times a tutor will tell me that they feel guilty as they feel they are getting more than they are giving in the tutor/learner relationship!
But taking the first steps can be challenging. There is so much to do before you greet your first adult learner.
LCLS adult literacy program realizes that tutors need to be trained to be successful and find the tutoring experience rewarding. Therefore, we are continually reviewing, refining, and updating the series to ensure that we are offering a dynamic, effective training program.
Getting Started
The new tutor training is comprised of 2 required components - an Online Tutor Training Part 1 and a Face-to-Face 1-Day Training.
Component 1: Online Tutor Training - Part 1
This component will provide you with an overview of the literacy program to include:
- Literacy statistics
- Overview of tutors and learners
- Approaches to working with adults as learners
- Goal setting
- Lesson planning
- Transitioning to the new tutor training
Embedded within the Tutor Training - Part 1 presentation you will find Resources pages containing links for “More Learning.”
These are optional opportunities that you can feel free to explore. They will provide you with
a more in-depth understanding of each topic. In addition, there are 5 activities that you are required to complete and submit via the link provided prior to registering for the face-to-face training.
Finally, the last screen will prompt you to contact Erika Greene to register for the new tutor training. Registration for the face-to-face training is REQUIRED. Walk-ins are not allowed.
View Tutor Training Program Part 1
In addition to Part 1, it might be very useful to visit the following websites:
Literacy DuPage,
formerly known as Literacy Volunteers of DuPage, is a nonprofit, community based organization.
Their mission is to provide accessible and customized tutoring in reading, writing, speaking, and
understanding English to help adults achieve independence. The organization serves over 30 communities in
DuPage County.
Feel free to view any of the videos but I would direct you to the "First Meeting" selections
as they will provide you with a sense of meeting with an ELL for the first time.
MLoTS – Media Library of Teaching Skills for adult learning and literacy project
is a free, online, digital library of short videos of adult education teachers and their
classes or tutorials, intended for use in professional development. Each video is an example
of a state-approved content standard, research-based practice, preferred approach, or specific
teaching method or skill. In some cases these are examples in practice of a particular state's
approved curriculum frameworks or content standards. The project began in March, 2007, and has grown
as new videos are added to the online library.
This website has a variety of videos demonstrating one-to-one and group tutoring on a
range of topics. Although you have not met with your first learner, this will provide you with
some insights into working with adults!
Component 2: Face-to-Face 1-day training
This component will provide you with an opportunity to learn from a certified tutor trainer & program coordinator as well as your peers, ask questions, and participate in hands-on activities on a variety of topics to include:
- Goal setting
- Developing lesson plans
- Reading skills
- Writing skills
- Preparing for your first meeting with the adult learner
I am confident that after your participation in the training and subsequent certification
as a Lake County adult literacy tutor you will feel much more prepared to work with an adult learner!
If you have any questions about the LCLS Adult Literacy Program or tutor training,
please contact Erika Greene at (352) 253-6183 / egreene@lakeline.lib.fl.us. I look forward to speaking with you.
Upcoming New Tutor Training Opportunities
Professional Development
But training doesn't stop here! As I am sure we all agree, we never stop learning!
The Lake County Adult Literacy Program recognizes that volunteers have a wide range of interests, skills, and time constraints, therefore the opportunities for professional growth reflect these various needs. We are pleased to offer an assortment of training options:
- One-day In-Service meetings
- Round table meetings
- Adult New Reader collection containing training materials/resources/guides
- On-line training links (located in tutor/student management system)
- On-line Materials and Resources 'room' (located in tutor/student management system)
- On-line Chat Room (located in tutor/student management system)
- New tutor training - sometimes it is good to refresh your skills!
Creating a professional development series is not just an administrative function, though. The Literacy Coordinator and Literacy Contacts want and need to hear from you! Let us know what you need more information on, or feel is relevant to your tutoring experience, or would be beneficial to the adult learners. We can work together to make sure that all appropriate topics are included in the training program.
For immediate training opportunities, free online courses and downloadable files, visit the following link.
How do I Sign up?
If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Tutor, click here to download Application Form (pdf) , fill out the application and email it to Erika Greene, Literacy Program Coordinator at egreene@lakeline.lib.fl.us or bring it to your Library. For more information, you may call Erika at (352) 253-6183.