Becoming a volunteer tutor for Literacy for Life was one of the first things I did when I retired from teaching in 2012. I had always enjoyed teaching and I knew that I wanted to continue teaching when I retired. I also knew that I didn’t want to be a substitute teacher in the local schools – I applaud substitutes, but I was not the least bit interested in doing that. I also had vowed that, once I retired, I was not going to commit to any activity that required me to get up in the dark. I had spent 25 years getting up at 5:00 am so I could leave my house by 6:00 a.m. in order to get to school by 6:45 so I could begin my first class by 7:20. That’s ridiculous and I was done with it.
In looking around in my community, I found the Literacy for Life program. It sounded interesting, so I made contact with the program managers and figured out how I could help. The program always needs tutors, so here’s what you need to know if you want to join us (if you don’t live in the Williamsburg area, there is a literacy program near you that could use your talents).
Here’s what the Literacy For Life website says about its tutors:
Tutoring is a Rewarding and Life-Enhancing Experience!
Literacy for Life's tutors are the heart of our program. Tutors provide one-to-one and small group instruction in reading, writing, math, ESL (English as a Second Language), and computer skills.
We'll give you all the training you need. New tutors complete our New Tutor Training series. We provide ongoing support through individual consultation, in-service workshops, a resource library, and referral to online training resources.
Yes, you can! Teaching experience and a second language are not required.
TUTOR QUALIFICATIONS
Patience, flexibility, a positive outlook, and a desire to learn new things!
Age 18+
High school completion or equivalent
English language skills (native speaker or advanced ESL)
Basic computer skills (comfort with common applications)
Able to commit to one year of consistent tutoring
Willing to submit to a routine background check
Ready to Get Started?
Step 1
Complete a Volunteer Registration Form
Step 2
We will invite you to a tutor training series. The first no-obligation session will describe our mission, services, learners, and expectations.
Step 3
We'll provide you with the tutor application to complete.
Step 4
You will attend additional training workshops to get you fully prepared to help your learner meet his or her goals! You’re part of a learning community when you volunteer for Literacy for Life.
Here’s a list of ongoing workshops.
GED “Tuesdays for Teachers” GED Webinars
Access archived webinars at GED.com
Educators & Admins > Professional Development Training
Receive notification of upcoming webinars by signing up for the GED In Session Educator Newsletter (scroll to the bottom of the Professional Development page linked above).
MATH Math Instructors’ Online Support Group
Monthly, usually the last Monday of the month, at 4:00 p.m. (Online)
To request registration into the group, email valrccourses@vcu.edu
Once registered, you can log in to view upcoming training dates and archived sessions.
USCIS Citizenship: Naturalization Information Sessions
Offered regularly by USCIS (Online)
Unless otherwise indicated, webinars are open to anyone regardless of geographic location. Appropriate for tutors and/or learners.
Dates and registration at uscis.gov > Free Naturalization Info Sessions
ALL Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center
Offering Facilitated Online Courses (6-8 weeks), Webinars, Self-Paced Tutorials, and more at https://valrc.org/pd-opportunities/
ALL ProLiteracy Education Network
Online tutor training webinars, lesson plans, resources, etc.
Free for LFL tutors; see Mary Lynch for access information.
Questions? Please call 757-221-3325 or email literacyforlife@wm.edu
Sounds like you found one of your homes in LfL.
"I also had vowed that, once I retired, I was not going to commit to any activity that required me to get up in the dark."
Hahahahaha. Yeah