FAQs

FAQ's

How can I teach English if I don't speak the learner's language?

Come to our training and find out! We equip you with techniques--such as using pictures and objects--so that you can teach English without having to know another language.

How much time will this take?

We ask for 2 hours of direct instruction per week, plus preparation time. The two hours can be twice a week for an hour or once a week for two hours.

I've always wanted to learn Spanish. Is this a good way for me to learn?

You will definitely learn another culture and probably at least pick up some vocabulary, but this is not the setting for trying to learn Spanish or any of the other languages represented by the learners. They are giving up their personal time to learn English and we need to respect that sacrifice.

What's in it for me?

There is a heartfelt satisfaction in helping others acquire practical skills that will enable them to improve their quality of life, whether that practical skill is learning to read for the first time, or speaking English, or becoming a US citizen. In many cases, tutors become life-long friends with the learner. We always learn when we teach, so the tutoring experience ends up enriching both tutor and learner.

Are there other opportunities besides tutoring that I can do as a volunteer?

Absolutely: helping with mailings or other office projects, setting up for our annual auction (end of March), making bi-lingual phone calls in Spanish, Russian, or Kurdish, assisting with grant writing, giving ESL assessments to groups (we will train you). Let us know what special skills or interests you have.

How often do you offer trainings?

Six times a year. January, February, March, August, September & October. Please call the office or check the website calendar for upcoming trainings.

What if I can't attend both Saturday sessions of training?

We allow a limited number of people to finish up the missed Saturday at the next training. Another option is to take the first Saturday in an alternative version (a combination of reading and on-line assignments) that we have developed. Please contact the SLC office to discuss these. One other option is to take the online tutor training offered by the Virginia Adult Literacy Resource Center. See their website for registration and information (www.valrc.org/training/online/#alo). Just bring us your completed certificate for the course: "Adult as Learners: An Orientation."

How much time will I have to commit when becoming a tutor?

There is an initial 14 hour training, and once you start tutoring, we require 2 hours a week of direct instruction plus preparation time. We have a library of resources at our office to aid you in your preparation as well.

For more information call (540) 879-2933, or email us at skylitbeth@comcast.net