Getting Involved
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
~ Author Margaret Mead
Volunteer Tutors
Would you like to help someone by becoming a tutor? We have adult learners who need YOU! If you are over the age of 18 and looking to get involved in your community and you are able to donate a minimum of 2-3 hours per week to assist an adult learner, this is your opportunity!
Volunteer Tutor Application
Tutor Job Description/Agreement
Tutor Handbook
Adult Learner Agreement
There is no typical adult literacy or English Language Leaner (ELL). They are of all ages and races, they are both women and men, and come from all economic or social backgrounds. They may have completed the K-12 education system or left before graduation, but did not acquire skills for one of several reasons - a childhood illness that resulted in long absences from school, an undiagnosed learning disability, domestic abuse that distracted them from lessons, frequent changes in schools, or the need to leave school to work. ELL learners may be literate in their native language, or unable to read and write at all.
So what does it mean to be an adult literacy volunteer tutor? You have the potential to be a GREAT volunteer adult literacy tutor if you are:
- Patient
- Creative
- Adaptable / Flexible
- Realistic
- Organized and accountable
Of course training is essential. All volunteer tutors are required to participate in training before their first meeting with an adult learner. In addition, on a daily basis the Literacy Coordinator and Library-based Literacy Contact are available to answer questions and provide guidance when necessary. Tutors have access to professional development workshop; an e-mail support ‘tree’; web-based management system; and a full-range of literacy materials located in each library.
You may wonder how you can be an effective tutor if you do not speak the adult learner's native language. Truth be told, it is actually better if you are not able to speak their language because it ’forces’ you both to speak English ONLY! If you speak their native language you may spend most of your time translating and less time developing and practicing English skills.
So, you think you have what it takes to be a great adult literacy tutor - it might be helpful to learn a little more about working with adult learners. While you are waiting for the next new tutor training to be scheduled or before you decide to become a volunteer tutor, visit the following link and learn more about adult English language learners, culture and communication, and literacy classes!
If you have any questions, please contact your local Lake County library or call (352) 253-6183 or email Erika Greene, Literacy Program Coordinator.
Program Volunteers
Lake County Volunteer Program (LCVP)
Visit the LCVP to learn more about what it means to be a Lake County volunteer, or download the volunteer application packet, or make sure you are not missing any exciting programs or activities that Helena Osborne-Ponsi and her team have planned for you! In an effort to provide the most professional experience for the volunteers and the programs you will be working with, all potential volunteers are required to complete a background check. If you have any questions about this process, please contact Helena Osborne-Ponsi at (352) 742-6590 or hosborne@lakecountyfl.gov