HELP SOMEONE LEARN TO READ
Why are Adult Literacy Tutors so important?
-
An estimated 230,000 adults in Sacramento County are in need of help to improve their reading and writing skills.
-
Of those adults who are unemployed, 75% have reading and writing difficulties.
-
According to the National Institute for Literacy, 20% of the adults in Sacramento County have difficulty with reading, writing, and computational skills necessary to function in everyday life.
Imagine overseeing a business without being able to read. Or driving down a street and not being able to read the street signs. Literacy tutors help adult learners reach their goals in reading and writing, indispensable skills in today’s world.
In this video, Steve Tafoya talks about how his tutor has helped him pass the driver’s license test and feel hopeful about the future, and his tutor, Anna Ramirez, talks about how much she has learned from Steve and what the tutoring experience has meant to her.
How do I become a tutor?
Consider being a tutor if you are 18 or older, able to read, speak English clearly and are willing to:
-
Tutor at least once a week
-
Attend one 8-hour tutor workshop for certification in The Laubach Way to Reading and other research-based adult reading series.
-
Participate in workshops offered during the year to reinforce and expand your tutoring skills.
Literacy staff provides assistance and support as learners progress through the program.
FAQ
I know an adult who wants to learn to read. How do I help them get started?
Call us if he or she is 18 or older, able to speak English and willing to:
-
Meet with a volunteer tutor each week.
-
Remain in the program for a minimum of six months or until his or her specific goals have been met.
I want to volunteer. How much time will I spend tutoring?
After completing training, tutors volunteer their time for 1½ to 2 hours once or twice a week.
Is there a fee for training materials?
Basic materials for tutor and learner are provided at no charge.
Where does tutoring take place?
Tutoring space is available at most library locations along with several other public sites.
When are the certification workshops?
Workshops are scheduled throughout the year as needed. Contact the
Literacy Coordinator to sign up for the next workshop.
Resources for Tutors
LITERACY SERVICES CONTACT
Literacy Coordinator
Stephanie Allen
Central Library
(916) 264-5032
sallen@saclibrary.org
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00-5:00 p.m.
The Adult Literacy program was established in 1984 with a grant from the
California State Library.