Washtenaw Literacy Tutor Training Programs Coming in June

Volunteers have a unique opportunity to change lives by becoming one-on-one tutors

(Ann Arbor, MI. May 4, 2009) - Washtenaw Literacy, a non-profit organization devoted to eradicating adult illiteracy, is witnessing an increased demand for tutoring as low-literate adults find themselves unemployed with few job prospects. The demand for the free one-on-one tutoring programs that Washtenaw Literacy's volunteer tutors provide is high.

"Adults with limited reading, writing, or English skills have a hard time finding and keeping jobs.  More tutors are urgently sought to help keep pace with the need," said Amy Goodman, Executive Director of Washtenaw Literacy.  To meet the demand for one-on-one tutoring in English, reading and writing, Washtenaw Literacy is looking to recruit adult volunteers. Volunteers must be 18 or older and willing to make a 12 month commitment to tutoring once a week for two hours. Tutors have a real opportunity to make a lasting change in adults' lives.

A mandatory 15 hour tutor training is offered on June 8, 11, 15, 18 and 22nd from 10am to 1pm at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District building, 1819 South Wagner Road, Ann Arbor. The $25 training fee covers the cost of instructional materials. Scholarships are available for volunteers for whom the training fee is a hardship. Tutors who must miss one or two sessions of the training can schedule make-up session with trainers. This training offers participants a truly unique professional development opportunity, and a way to build new skills while helping others.  Tutors emerge from the training with all the techniques and strategies they'll need to work effectively with adult learners.

For questions about the training, tutoring programs and to register for a volunteer orientation, contact Washtenaw Literacy today:
(734) 879-1320 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About Washtenaw Literacy

Washtenaw Literacy's purpose is straightforward: we help adults change their lives through literacy. Our organization has over 35 years experience in helping men and women improve their reading, writing and English as a second language skills.

Our core program is one-on-one tutoring. This is the approach our first volunteer tutors used in 1971. The reason we still use it today is because it works. Over 90% of adults in our one-on-one tutoring program reach one or more of their goals. Part of this success stems from our "designer tutor" approach. We train each of our volunteer tutors to plan lessons according to the learner's strengths, needs and goals. Adult learners in our program are motivated because they are setting, and meeting, their own standards for success.

This focus on individual goals makes our program unique in the county. Washtenaw Literacy is a critical part of our community's educational continuum. Someday we hope to have no need for our services. Until then, we'll support our volunteer tutors as they help low-literate men and women improve their skills and their lives.