Penny and Helen have developed a strong and mutually respectful relationship. Helen says, I prayed to God asking for an angel to help me; he sent me Penny.
All of us can participate in the fight against illiteracy. There is no greater gift than helping someone learn to read. With this one skill that you possess, you are capable of helping someone achieve a greater and more profound life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the qualifications to become a tutor?
Will there be additional learning opportunities?
How will I be assigned a student?
What are the qualifications to become a tutor?
Any adult with a high school graduate level of reading and writing, and good communication skills is eligible to become a tutor.
Attending a brief Tutor Informational Meeting and the completion of 10 hours of a Tutor Training Session is required to become a tutor.
The Tutor Informational Meeting is an opportunity for potential tutors to learn more about what tutoring requires, ask questions, and clarify how the R.E.A.D. system works. After attending a meeting, participants will know if becoming a tutor is right for them.
The Tutor Training Session takes place on three separate evenings. The first evening will inform the participants on adult learning fundamentals, what to anticipate, tutor support information, tutor resources and reporting requirements, and active tutors will share their experiences.The second evening discusses basic phonics and fluency, how to use the Litstart Book, and how to build success. The third session will be scheduled 2 months after the initial training and includes building brain connections, the brain habits, trauma effects on learning, building comprehension skills, and information about student assessments.
Will there be any additional learning opportunities?
Every other month a Tutor Roundtable Discussion is scheduled. Our tutors have found that sharing their successes, challenges, and questions with each other is the most productive and beneficial means of improving their skills.
Attending these discussions is optional.
R.E.A.D. offers Tutor Workshops on specific tutoring techniques that will enhance the tutors skills in working with their students. Workshops presented will be on phonics, reading comprehension, English as a Second Language, writing, etc and will be scheduled through out the year.
How will I be assigned a student?
Once you have completed the training the Pair Coordinator will match with you with a student. You will be given the student’s information and his/her assessment level. You will then contact your student and make arrangements to meet at a public location (library, community activity room, church, etc). At that time you will determine when and where your weekly meetings will take place and what your student’s needs and goals are.
R.E.A.D. has multiple, educational advisers who are always available to answer questions or offer suggestions. Making sure that the tutor is comfortable and confident with their student is of the utmost importance.
How much time is required to be a tutor?
The weekly time commitment will include 1 1/2 hours of tutoring and approximately 30 minutes for lesson planning.
Call 616-843-1470 or send an email to info@readadultliteracy.org