The following article was submitted by Margo Meyer, the One-to-One Adult Literacy Partners Coordinator at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Tutors needed!
We have a growing waitlist of adults in our community wishing to improve their English skills and we would love to have you join our team of volunteer tutors here at Manitowoc Public Library.
Our One-to-One Adult Literacy Program is in place to help English-Language learners and those struggling with basic reading skills improve their ability to interact in the community and better their employment opportunities. Over time, we have helped our learners work toward things you and I might take for granted. Things like reading medication labels, obtaining a Driver’s License, navigating Parent-Teacher conferences for our family members, improving conversation skills in the community and workplace, and countless other vital daily skills.
If this sounds interesting to you, we have a tutor training session coming up on Saturday, September 11, from 12 PM-3:30 PM here at Manitowoc Public Library.
Sometimes it’s helpful to know a few of the details before diving into something new, so I’ll answer some of the most commonly-asked questions about becoming a One-to-One literacy tutor:
Do I need to have a background in teaching?
No. We offer free tutor training to get you started on the right foot. We also pair each new volunteer with an experienced tutor that acts as a mentor, which is very helpful. Optional tutor meetings throughout the year allow an opportunity to network and chat with fellow volunteers, as well as learn about resources, teaching tips, and information relevant to everyone in our program. Also, I’m available here at the Library to field questions, search for material, and research ideas for you to use with your learner.
Do I need to provide the materials?
No. Through the generous support of the Manitowoc Public Library Foundation and a grant from LTC, we are able to provide teacher and student books for free. And should your learner’s goal be to work toward citizenship, we have specific materials to help study for the test. Our Library is fortunate to have an abundance of material in the Literacy Office for you to utilize and I’m always happy to guide you to the right resources.
When would I be meeting with my learner?
Some of our students are available to meet during the day for English lessons, while others require evening hours. We take into account your schedule and availability in order to match you accordingly. We ask that our tutors and learners try to meet for an hour or two each week. All tutoring sessions take place in pre-approved locations, such as, our Library, LTC-Manitowoc Campus, some of our area churches, and even outdoors at local parks.
Margo Meyer
How do I get started?
A short application form, as well as the tutor training registration can be located on our website at https://www.manitowoclibrary.org/alp/. The Literacy Office can be reached at 920-686-3026, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have, as well as walking you through the sign-up process should you need any assistance.
Volunteering can have benefits not just to the people receiving help, but also to those who give their time and energy. In my work as the Literacy Coordinator here at MPL, I have observed this firsthand in the marvelous partnerships among our tutors and learners. Here’s a quote from one of our tutors that illustrates this perfectly:
“I feel so lucky to be a tutor with One-to-One Adult Literacy Partners. Over the last four years, I have been privileged to work with four wonderful women whose origins were Mexico, India, Thailand, and China. Together we spent many fantastic hours getting to know each other, learning about each other’s cultures and life experiences, and working toward achieving goals that were so important to each of them.”
You could make a difference in the lives of adults who want to improve their literacy skills and secure better futures for themselves and their families. And as we tell all of our volunteers, you don’t need to be perfect to be a great tutor—just be willing to show up, remember to laugh along the way, and ask for help when needed.
For more information, please contact Margo Meyer at 920-686-3026 or mmeyer@manitowoc.org.
