Frequently Asked Questions
How can I become a student?
How much does it cost?
How can I become a tutor?
How often do you have tutor training workshops?
How do I get a student?
What will I learn at the tutor training workshop?
How much does the tutor training workshop cost?
Must I speak Spanish to be a tutor?
How often do tutors and students meet?
How long is the commitment to tutor?
Will I have more than one student?
Where do tutors and students meet?
What are my tutoring options?
Does the Literacy Council work with other agencies or groups
How can I become a student?
Call 704-226-1425 and let us know what days and times are best for you to meet with a tutor. We will ask you to meet with us so that we can determine your reading level. We will also help you decide if you want to work one-on-one with a tutor or take a Basic Skills or English as a Second Language class through South Piedmont Community College (SPCC).
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.
How can I become a tutor?
Call 704-226-1425 to sign up for our next tutor training workshop.
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.
How do I get a student?
Attend the tutor training workshop: 7 hours if you only want to teach English-speaking adults to read, 10 hours if you want to teach English (includes reading and writing) to non-native English speakers. After workshop completion, we will help match you with a student based on the days and times you can meet.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 offices at SPCC.
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.
Does the Literacy Council work with other agencies or groups?
Yes! We partner with and receive assistance from SPCC, which is where our office is located. Many organizations are very welcoming of our students and tutors, including the Union County Public Library and area churches. Additionally, we became a United Way of Central Carolinas, Inc.Member Agency in 2001.
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