Information Adult Literacy Volunteers Need to Know

"One student wrote to me and thanked me for taking time with her and going at a slow pace because she felt she was a slow learner and she’s tired after her job. It was so sweet, I almost cried. This whole tutoring business is very humbling and I will certainly take all the time that she needs."

Volunteer Areas

You can work in either one of two areas:

Observation

You must observe in the ABE reading and ESL classrooms before determining which area to begin your teaching assignment. Schedule classroom observations by calling (815) 455-8542.

Did you know?

Most volunteers donate two hours a week for a year in our literacy volunteer program.

Orientation

  1. At the orientation session, you can indicate which program you want to work in. You will be assigned to a class by the coordinator at the orientation session.
    • Assignments are based on your availability and the needs of the program.
    • You will be assigned to classrooms where students are at the basic level of English as a second language, or reading.
  2. You begin work a week after attending orientation. An instructor will be with you in the classroom and will provide instructional tasks.
    • You may work with a student right away or may ask to work with a trained volunteer until you feel comfortable working in the classroom on your own.

Training Workshops

  1. There are five required workshops. There are two different tracks for training:
    • Track I is for ESL volunteers
    • Track II is for ABE reading volunteers

    These workshops can be taken in any order and are offered on a rotating basis throughout the year. See orientation session schedule. PDF

    • Volunteers must attend all five basic training workshops. If a workshop is missed, you should attend that workshop when it is scheduled again. It is important for you to track the workshop number and the date you attend on the green certification sheet.
  2. Classroom Practicum - In addition to the five required workshops, you must work in a scheduled class for a minimum of 10 hours in order to become certified. You can begin this requirement in conjunction with the workshop schedule.
  3. A certificate is issued to all volunteers who complete the five training workshops, classroom practicum, and have shown that they meet the criteria on the volunteer job description PDF.

    4. Volunteer Forms

Volunteers are responsible for:

Working with students

One-on-one tutors are assigned to a student after certification. Volunteers and students will be matched by the coordinator. The volunteer and student work at a time that is convenient for both and meet at a local library or public facility.

Volunteers are encouraged to exchange contact information with staff and students.

Professional Development

The state of Illinois requires that volunteers participate in professional development. These professional development courses, known as in-service workshops, are scheduled throughout the year. These in-service workshops help volunteers develop additional skills and knowledge that go beyond basic training. Volunteers will receive notification of in-service workshops and are asked to attend a minimum of one workshop per year. Volunteer are encouraged to "team-up" for the in-service workshops.

Contact Information: For more information on becoming a literacy volunteer or making a donation to the volunteer program, please contact Marie Day at (815) 455-8542.

This project was made possible in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a division of the Office of Secretary of State, using state funds designated for literacy.

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10/9/09