Volunteering with the Adult Literacy Project |
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| What does a Volunteer Tutor do? |
A volunteer tutor helps adults learn to speak, read and/or write English. A tutor works in either a classroom or one-to-one with a student. Working in an English as a Second Language (ESL) or Adult Basic Education (ABE) or General Education Development (GED) classroom involves assisting the teacher with small group exercises and helping students who are falling behind. Tutors who work one-to-one with a student tailor the session to meet the needs of the student. Students learning English have a variety of goals, but typically working on their conversation skills is priority. Adult Basic Education (ABE) students generally want to learn how to read. |
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| What kind of training do volunteer tutors receive? |
Tutor training is offered throughout the year and is typically 15 hours. Day, evening and online training is available. The training includes information and skill building to prepare the volunteer to work with adults and to be effective as a one-to-one tutor and in the classroom setting. Materials and ongoing support is provided. |
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| Does a tutor have to speak another language? |
Absolutely not! All tutoring sessions and classes are taught in English. The students represent over 40 countries from around the world. |
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| How many hours a week does a volunteer work? |
Typically a volunteer in the classroom spends one day a week for 2 1/2 hours in the class. Classes meet in the morning, afternoon and evening. Volunteers who work one-to-one with a student usually meet one day a week for one hour. The time and day is determined by the tutor and student’s schedule. Additional time is spent in preparation and lesson planning. |
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| Where do volunteers work? |
Most volunteers work at the Waubonsee Community College Aurora campus, 5. East. Galena Boulevard, Aurora, Illinois. There are volunteer opportunities at our off-site locations. These include schools, libraries and churches throughout the Waubonsee Community College district. Volunteers also help at the Copley Campus on Rt. 34 and at the Sugar Grove Campus. |
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| Does a tutor have to speak another language if working with an ESL student? |
| Absolutely not! All tutoring sessions are taught in English. The students represent over 30 different countries from around the world! |
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| What kind of paperwork is involved? |
| There are four quarterly reports that need to be completed. This is important so the program complies with grant funding! The volunteer keeps track of the tutoring hours, travel time, and preparation time as well as information about student progress. |
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| How long is a tutor's commitment? |
| Volunteers are asked to make a commitment of one year. The program has volunteers who have been giving their time for over 20 years! |
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| What characteristics are necessary for tutor success? |
| Volunteer tutors are required to have a high school diploma and to speak English. Other qualifications for success include patience, appreciation of cultural diversity, commitment to literacy, ability and willingness to communicate with a wide range of personalities, cultures and age groups. |
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| How does a volunteer enroll? |
| Complete the volunteer application and background check. The tutor/trainer coordinator will call to welcome you and answer any further questions. Please call the coordinator at (630) 801-7900 ext. 4107 if you have further questions or would like to have a packet mailed to you. |
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