Washtenaw Literacy Needs Tutors Now

ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Washtenaw Literacy, a non-profit organization devoted to ending adult illiteracy, has issued an urgent plea for additional volunteers to join its network of one-on-one tutors.  The agency offers acclaimed group and one-on-one tutoring programs and there is a growing waiting list of those who seek one-on-one tutoring.  

To help fill this need, a tutor training program kicks off on April 8, providing hands-on tutor training to give participants the tools they need to get started. Each training series includes 15 hours of instruction. New tutors are also encouraged to attend Exploring Tutoring Techniques, an optional 3-hour planning and practice session with a peer mentor.  To register, please call Washtenaw Literacy today.  A $25 materials fee is requested.  

"People who managed to function in jobs in the past as low-literate adults are now looking for new jobs.  They need retraining.  But retraining is out-of-reach to those who can't read.  Washtenaw Literacy helps adult learners achieve these goals, but the need continues to rise, and we urgently need more tutors.  And it's important to note that while the benefit for learners is clear, tutors tell us time and again how much they value the opportunity to make a real difference with this work.  Please consider becoming a tutor," said Washtenaw Literacy's Executive Director Amy Goodman.

To learn how you can become a tutor or offer other help in the fight against illiteracy, please call Washtenaw Literacy at (734) 879-1320 or go to www.washtenawliteracy.org.

About Washtenaw Literacy

Washtenaw Literacy's purpose is straightforward: we help adults change their lives through literacy. Our organization has over 35 years experience in helping men and women improve their reading, writing and English as a second language skills.

Our core program is one-on-one tutoring. This is the approach our first volunteer tutors used in 1971. The reason we still use it today is because it works. Over 90% of adults in our one-on-one tutoring program reach one or more of their goals. Part of this success stems from our "designer tutor" approach. We train each of our volunteer tutors to plan lessons according to the learner's strengths, needs and goals. Adult learners in our program are motivated because they are setting, and meeting, their own standards for success.

This focus on individual goals makes our program unique in the county. Washtenaw Literacy is a critical part of our community's educational continuum. Someday we hope to have no need for our services. Until then, we'll support our volunteer tutors as they help low-literate men and women improve their skills and their lives.

SOURCE Washtenaw Literacy