Volunteering

What does it take to be a literacy tutor?

If you have these qualities, you can teach someone to read, write, and speak English.

Our next Beginning ESL Tutor Training workshop will be on July 19th & July 26th, 2008. And, we will offer the workshop again on Sept 6th and Sept 13th. In nine hours over two Saturdays, you will learn to teach low level ESL learners. The only cost is $25 for teaching materials. New volunteers need to attend both workshops prior to tutoring.

To register for the above workshops, please:
1. Print and complete a Volunteer Application
2. Enclose a $25 check payable to Literacy Council of Seattle
3. Send it to 8500 14th Ave NW, Crown Hill UMC, Seattle, WA 98117

1. After I have been trained, how often will I need to tutor?
We recommend two sessions a week, each about 1.5 hours. This schedule allows the learners to make progress which is more fun for the tutors.

2. When and where do these tutoring sessions take place?
Tutors and students usually set a schedule that works for them. Tutors often find a place convenient to their home or workplace such as a library, a community center, a church, a coffee shop, or a mall. Tutors also meet their students at the LCS facility in downtown Seattle.

3. After I have been trained, how long will I need to tutor?
We ask that tutors plan to work with students for 6-9 months. Some tutor-student pairs work together for only 3 months and some stay together for a year or more. Tutors who cannot tutor that long can contribute by substituting for another tutor, helping in a class, or working intensively (3 or 4 days a week) for a short period. Many tutors teach on the Community College schedule to allow for holidays and prevent "burn out".

4. Will it be for a single student or will the students keep changing?
Most tutors teach one or two specific learners. The relationship and trust is an important part of the learning process. The tutors will provide English skills training and encourage the learners to set language goals. If a tutor or learner does not feel compatible, a new match can be arranged.

5. Can I learn to tutor even if I am not a college graduate?
The Laubach materials and methods support non-professionals who have never taught before. It is practical and very "user-friendly".

To view current volunteer opportunities, please click on the logo below: