How can I become a student?
Call the office at 704-226-1425. We will set up a time for you to come and meet with our staff..
Back to top
How much does it cost?
Tutoring and classes are free. Tutoring is done by volunteers who freely
give their time and talents. Books are also free, but students are welcome
to make a donation to our Book Fund.
Back to top
How can I become a tutor?
Call 704-226-1425 to sign up for our next tutor training workshop.
Back to top
How often do you
have tutor training workshops?
Generally, we conduct the workshops 5 times a year. Check out our Events
Calendar for a tentative workshop schedule.
Back to top
How do I get a student?
Attend our 10-hour Tutor Training workshop. After workshop completion, you will have the opportunity to select from our waiting list a student who can meet at a convenient location for you on the days and times you are available.
Back to top
What will I learn at
the tutor training workshop?
The workshop will review the Laubach method,
which we have adopted as our primary method for teaching both English
speakers and non-English speakers. The materials include several resources
including teacher's manuals that help guide you through actual tutoring
sessions.
Back to top
How much does the tutor
training workshop cost?
The workshops are free. You may borrow teacher's manuals and other
resource materials from our lending library.
Back to top
Must I speak Spanish
to be a tutor?
No. Not all of our English as a Second Language (ESL) students are
Hispanic. We have had students from Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Russia, India,
and Somalia, and more! The teaching method we use helps you get past
any language barriers. Besides, our ESL students want to learn English
and YOU'RE the expert!
Back to top
How often do tutors and
students meet?
Ideally, twice a week for 60-90 minute sessions. The minimum should
be once a week for 90 minutes.
Back to top
How long is the
commitment to tutor?
Unless the tutors move or have major changes in their lives, we would
like them to continue as long as their students are interested. Of course,
individual situations vary and we know it's important to be flexible.
Back to top
Will I have more than
one student?
Many of our tutors will work with two students individually, often
scheduling them for back-to-back sessions on the same day. On occasion,
tutors may work with two or more students together. Although the Laubach
teaching materials are designed for one-on-one instruction, they can
be adapted for small groups. We try to meet the needs of our students,
so it is sometimes necessary to "double-up" because of transportation
issues or time constraints. English-speaking adults always meet individually
with their tutors.
Back to top
Where do tutors and students
meet?
Our policy is to meet at a public place, such as the main library,
a church, or a work site. There are also tutoring rooms at the Literacy
Council.
Back to top
What are my tutoring
options?
- You may work with an English-speaking adult who wants to learn to
read and write English.
- You may work with an adult whose first language is not English.
This student will need to learn to read, write, speak, and understand
English.
Back to top
Does the Literacy Council
work with other agencies or groups?
Yes! We partner with other United Way agencies to provide services for clients who lack basic literacy or English language skills. We also partner with the public libraries, churches, and businesses to provide convenient sites for tutoring to take place.
Back to top
