Actually, there are two basic kinds of Volunteer Tutors: Literacy Tutors and English as a Second Language (ESL) Tutors. Both are in great demand in Wayne County; some people prefer to tutor Literacy, some prefer to tutor ESL, and some go where the need is greatest, or when the next Tutor Workshop will be, so they don't have to wait too long. No second language knowledge is necessary for ESL Tutors.

Tutor Workshops, whether for Literacy or for ESL, are both 18 hours in length. Workshops are usually held on three consecutive Saturdays, but are occasionally held on weeknights as well. While that is a serious time commitment, it is essential that volunteers receive the knowledge, skills, and practice necessary to be effective tutors. If tutors should find that they cannot truly help their students, everyone will be frustrated. For this reason, the first and most important requirement of an LV Tutor is that s/he complete the Workshop.

Upon graduating from the Workshop, most tutors will be given a student profile, containing background information, assessment results, and suggested areas of instruction with some possible approaches, as an aid to begin instruction. The Tutor is then required to phone the student and set up the initial meeting in a neutral location, such as a church or a library. At this initial meeting, the student and tutor will decide whether or not they are compatible, and if so, where the tutoring sessions will take place, and a schedule amenable to both parties. The first session is generally a getting-to-know-you session, rather than an actual learning session. The tutor usually works with the student to elicit some realistic, well-defined goals.

The Tutor is required to keep a log of the time spent with the student and any progress made or goals achieved. A progress report must be sent in at least annually, and all tutors should call the LV office at least once each quarter, or whenever there are problems, rapid progress, or changes in meeting times or location. Inservices are available every year at no cost, and all volunteers are storngly urged to attend. Not only will this make tutoring easier and more understandable, they are excellent times to share common experiences with other volunteers.

Finally, know that there are a variety of programs and students waiting for you. Basic Literacy tutoring occurs one-to-one, two-to-one, in small groups in workplaces, or as an aide in a GED or vocational class. In ESL, there is one-to-one, small group, and migrant ESL in Sodus or in labor camps, and small group ESL in workplaces. Also, there is computer-assisted learning for both literacy and ESL in the Sodus, Lyons, and Newark libraries. If your interests are related to these programs, LV is right for you.

If you would like to apply for the next round of workshops as a Basic Literacy Tutor, ESL Tutor, or both, please click on the appropriate icon below.