What We Do

We have a lot of fun!

Volunteers at LCS teach adults the English skills they need to be successful in their jobs, families, and the community.

English skills training is offered free to all adults who ask, as trained tutors become available. Twelve adults are waiting for an ESL tutor and six American adults are waiting for help with reading (ABE).

LCS offers volunteers an opportunity to give the gift of literacy and contribute to the community. To learn how, click on "Volunteering".

Accredited trainers conduct ESL Tutor Training workshops five times every year and ABE training twice each year. You need not be a professional teacher to teach well and have fun with the phonics based Laubach materials and methods.



Below is a collection of photos showcasing our previous workshops. Click on a photo for a larger image. Enjoy!

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Who We Serve

Literacy Council of Seattle serves more than 290 learners each year. Our adult learners are from more than 25 countries - about 30% from China and Taiwan, 30% from Central and South America, 20% from Africa and the Middle East, 10% from other countries and 10% American-born adults.

52% are between 25 and 44 years of age, 80% are female, and 100% are eager to learn English. Some learners who come to LCS speak two or three other languages and have advanced degrees. Others have no reading or writing skills in any language. Most of our clients read in at least one language and have a high school education. Learners are highly motivated to progress in their English skills.

Students are referred to LCS by friends, relatives, libraries, neighbors, co-workers, and state agencies. Many stay 6 months to 1 year until they can manage the language demands of their job and some continue until they can enter a community college or university.

About Us

Literacy Council of Seattle is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is listed in the State and Federal Literacy Directories, United Way of King County, and GuideStar.org. We are also an affiliate of ProLiteracy America.

LCS is also a registered charitable organization with the State of Washington Secretary of State and the Combined Fund Drive for WA state employees. Adobe and Microsoft will match contributed funds.

You can find out more about LCS at:

1. GuideStar.org
2. ProLiteracy Worldwide
3. Network for Good
4. Just Give
5. Volunteer Match
6. Just Volunteers
7. United Way of King County

We are all volunteers except for one part-time office manager. Our Board of Directors manages all functions of LCS and includes from 9 to 12 voting members.

• Board of Directors
• President
  Sharon Victor
• Vice President
  Eric Dodsley
• Treasurer
  Suzanne Vadman
• Secretary
  Randi Hedin
• Training Coordinator
  Lois Reece
• Director
  Sara Elefson
• Director
  Susanne Elliott
• Director
  Carlyne Durnan
• Director
  Julien Lee
• Student Representative
  Joann Feng

This web site is the product of many people's talents especially Sharon Victor, Tom Crisalli, Steven Nguyen, Alice Steinglass, and others.

Credits: Some of the graphics used on this site are borrowed from other sites. Thanks for your generosity. Web site redesigned & updated 11/20/08. Photos by Zeck Johnson and T.P. Crisalli.