Adult
Learners
How long will it take to improve my reading?
Many things affect how long it will take to improve
your reading or writing. Everyone learns differently
and some people have more time to practice between sessions.
After you go through your initial assessment and begin
tutoring, you will have a better understanding of how
long it will take you to reach your goals.
I
have a high school diploma, but I don't read or write
well. Can you help me?
Yes. You are not alone. Many adults have a diploma but
still have trouble reading or writing. We will work
with you to reach your goals.
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Photo
credit Journal Tribune
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What
will happen after I call you?
First we'll set up a time to meet so that we can learn more
about your goals and what you already know. Then we will find
a tutor who will be a good match. After that, you and your
tutor will create a schedule and begin working on your goals.
I
didn't do well in school. Why will this be different?
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Sanford is a student-centered
organization. We train volunteers to work with you one-to-one
on your goals and to use books and other materials to help
you achieve your goals. You decide what your goals are and
your tutor will help you reach them.
How
much does tutoring cost?
Our services are free of charge. We receive funding from the
United Way, foundations, community members and businesses
to provide our services.
What if I don't want anyone to know that I have a tutor?
All of our services are confidential.
What if I don't like my tutor?
We do our best to make a good match for every student, but
if a tutor-student match is not working, we will try to make
a new match. If you have any problems, call our office and
we will help.
I
just need a tutor to help me get my permit or pass a test.
Do you help people with short-term goals?
Yes. Many of our students come to us for help getting their
driving permit, Commercial Driver's License, Citizenship or
another goal. Once you reach you goal you can stop your lessons
or you can decide to work on a new goal.
I
don't speak English. Can you help me learn English?
Yes. We have tutors who are trained to work with people who
are learning English.
Literacy
Volunteers
How
did Literacy Volunteers get started?
In 1962, Ruth J. Colvin founded Literacy Volunteers of America
in New York state. Affiliates were created throughout the
United States. There are 14 affiliates in Maine. In 2002,
Literacy Volunteers of America and Laubach Literacy International
merged to form ProLiteracy, an international organization
dedicated to improving literacy skills throughout the world.
You can learn more at www.proliteracy.org.
How
can I donate to Literacy Volunteers?
Literacy Volunteers relies on the support of the community.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please
send it to our office or go to the Donate box on the home
page. Thank you.
How
many Literacy Volunteers affiliates are in Maine?
There are 14 affiliates in Maine. They work together to improve
the literacy skills of adults throughout the state.
Volunteers
I
was trained to be a volunteer tutor in a different affiliate.
Do I need to take your training if I want to volunteer in
your affiliate?
We recognize the training of affiliates so usually we do not
ask volunteers to repeat the training. Sometimes volunteers
repeat the training as a refresher to brush up on their skills.
I'm
interested in working with people learning English, but I
don't speak any other languages. Can I still become an English
for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Tutor?
Yes. During the ESOL Training you will learn techniques for
working with a person learning English. You do not need to
speak any other languages to help someone learn English.
In
addition to tutoring, what are my responsibilities?
You will need to plan your lessons, keep a record of your
hours and assess your learner's progress.
How
do I become a tutor?
All of our tutors complete a Tutor Training class. We have
two types of classes: Adult Basic Literacy and ESOL. We will
also ask you to complete a Volunteer Application.
I
want to volunteer, but tutoring isn't for me. Are there other
volunteer opportunities?
Yes. We have many volunteer opportunities. Please contact
our office to learn more.
What
about holidays and vacations?
Both tutors and students occasionally have other commitments.
Each learning pair works out the logistics of holidays and
vacations. If you will be away for an extended period of time,
please contact the office so that we can make arrangements
for another tutor to work with your student.
What
if I need help planning my lessons or helping my student make
progress?
After you complete the Tutor Training, you will have a lot
of tools available to you, such as the Tutor Workshops, other
tutors, and the staff. Please be in touch with the office
and we will help. See the Tutor Resources page as well.
I am not a teacher. Can I still be a tutor?
Absolutely! During your Training, you will be given the tools
and strategies needed to effectively tutor an adult learner.
After you begin tutoring, we will be available to support
you.
What
type of time commitment do I need to make as a tutor?
We ask that our tutors commit to volunteering for 2 hrs. a
week for at least one year.
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