Literacy Tutor for Adults Learning English

In one hour per week, you can change lives through literacy.

Imagine not being able to read this sentence, open a bank account, or find the right words to discuss an urgent problem with your doctor or your child’s teacher. Our adult learners struggle daily in these types of situations. Our volunteer literacy tutors help adults improve their English so they may overcome challenges like these.

We match trained volunteer literacy tutors with adult learners in one-on-one or small group settings. Tutors help them learn to read, write, speak and understand English better so that they may achieve their personal and professional goals. All tutoring is provided free of charge to learners.

​Adult learners in our community are waiting to be matched with a volunteer like you! Join us?

Requirements:

• Be 18 years of age or older.​​
• Have a working knowledge of the English language. Please know that English does not have to be your first language.​​
• Complete a one-hour online orientation with a Literacy Connection staff member where you will learn more about the program and training.
• Complete a total of 12 hours of free, online tutor training through Literacy Works. (If you are a retired teacher or hold a valid Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) certificate, you can receive up to 9 hours of training credit.)

Responsibilities:

• Prepare lessons based on an adult learner's interests and needs.
• Provide a respectful and positive learning environment.
• Meet at least 4 hours per month (we recommend 1 hour per week.

Location:

Tutoring takes place at a public location convenient for both tutors and learners. Many tutoring pairs and small groups choose to meet at local libraries, such as Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin. If you feel comfortable using digital platforms like Zoom, we support online or hybrid tutoring as well.