New Tutor Training

Become a Force for Change: Train to Be a Literacy Volunteer

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – For those with a desire to make a direct and meaningful impact within the Charlottesville community, Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle (LVCA) is hosting a comprehensive New Tutor Training session. This essential workshop will take place on Saturday, July 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the historic Jefferson School City Center, a vibrant community hub that is home to LVCA and other key local non-profits.

This engaging, in-person training is the first step toward the rewarding experience of providing one-to-one instruction to adults seeking to improve their lives through education. No prior teaching experience is necessary to become a volunteer. The only prerequisites are a high school diploma or equivalent, patience, encouragement, and a genuine desire to help adult learners achieve their personal goals, whether that involves reading a book to their child, securing a better job, or passing the U.S. Citizenship test.

The training session, organized by LVCA’s program staff and likely coordinated by Rita Thomas, is a dynamic and interactive workshop designed to fully prepare volunteers for the tutoring role. Over the course of the day, participants will delve into a curriculum honed to create effective and empathetic tutors. Attendees can expect to learn:

• Learner-Centered Approaches: How to design instruction that is relevant and respectful to the life experiences and goals of adult students.
• Teaching Techniques: Practical strategies and evidence-based methods for teaching fundamental reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to both native English speakers (Basic Literacy) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) learners.
• Lesson Planning: How to structure effective and engaging tutoring sessions using LVCA’s extensive library of resources and materials.
• Cultural Competency: How to build a supportive and effective relationship with a learner from a different cultural or linguistic background.
• Utilizing Resources: An introduction to the wide array of books, software, and support systems LVCA provides to its tutors and students.

Upon completion of the training and a background check, LVCA asks for a commitment of one year, tutoring for approximately two hours per week. Tutors are then carefully matched with an adult learner whose needs align with their skills and interests. The organization provides continuous support through ongoing workshops, a monthly book group, and access to a dedicated staff ready to assist with any questions or challenges.

Becoming an LVCA tutor is more than just teaching someone to read or speak English; it is about opening doors to opportunity, fostering confidence, and building a stronger, more inclusive community, one learner at a time.

To take the first step on this rewarding journey and reserve your spot in the New Tutor Training, please register through the LVCA public calendar or contact the organization directly.