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Washtenaw Literacy tutors adults in reading, writing and English as a Second Language (ESL). We also help employers, health care providers, and human service agencies communicate more effectively with their employees, patients, and clients.


Learn about our basic literacy tutoring programs.


Get more information about our ESL tutoring programs.


Learn about our sensitivity and communication training programs.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Has Washtenaw Literacy's programming been affected by concerns over COVID-19?

Answer: Yes.  In order to keep our learners and tutors safe, all in-person tutoring is SUSPENDED until 2021.  Check our COVID-19 Update page for more details.  If you are interested in virtual tutoring, you may still be eligible for a tutor who will work with you over the phone or by computer.


Question: How can I get help to improve my reading, writing, math or English?

Answer: You can study on your own, take a class, or find a tutor.  Washtenaw Literacy offers free tutoring.  The tutor will help you improve your reading, writing, math or English.  Tutoring options are:

  • Virtual Tutoring: one-on-one or small clusters of 3-4 learners, meet over the phone or by computer
  • Open Tutoring: no appointment required, meet in-person with the same or a different tutor each time
  • Personal Tutoring: one-on-one or small clusters of 3-4 learners, meet in-person with the same tutor every week
  • Learning Labs: small classes on specific topics, both in-person and virtual options available

If you want a different class or need more help, we can give you information.


Question: How can I get a tutor quickly?

Answer: All in-person tutoring is SUSPENDED until 2021.  If you are interested in virtual tutoring, you may still be eligible for a tutor who will work with you over the phone or by computer.  As soon as in-person tutoring resumes, you can meet with a tutor at one of our open tutoring locations, including our computer lab and ESL groups.  There are many tutors at open tutoring.  You may work one-on-one or you may work with 3-4 other learners.  It varies from week to week and location to location.  Open tutoring is the best way to start working with a tutor quickly.  You can call (734-291-0049) or email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) our office for an open tutoring schedule.


Question: How can I get a personal tutor?

Answer: Learners who need help with reading and writing are likely to work one-on-one with a personal tutor.  Learners who need English Language learning are likely to be placed in clusters of 3-4 learners with one personal tutor.  All in-person tutoring is SUSPENDED until 2021.  However, if you are interested in virtual tutoring, you may still be eligible for a tutor who will work with you over the phone or by computer.  If you are interested in virtual tutoring, you must make an appointment for an orientation.  Call (734-291-0049) or email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) our office and we will schedule an appointment for you.  At the appointment, we will ask questions about your goals.  We will also learn about your needs.  This information helps determine the best learning situation for you.  At the end of your appointment, we can tell you if you have qualified.


Question: How long will I wait for a tutor?

Answer: For virtual tutoring, there will be a wait.  You will wait 3 weeks or maybe you will wait 4 months.  It depends on how many people registered ahead of you.  At your appointment, we will give you an estimate for your wait.  As soon as in-person tutoring resumes, you can go to open tutoring and meet with a tutor immediately or make an appointment to register for a personal tutor.


Question: What will I work on with my tutor?

Answer: Your tutor will help you improve your skills.  You will work on materials that are interesting to you.  All tutoring is planned to help you meet your goals.  You can even bring things to tutoring that you want to read.  The tutor is there to help you meet your goals so always tell them what you want and need.


Question: How long will it take to reach my goals?

Answer: Some learners reach their goals very quickly.  For some learners, it takes years.  It depends on your situation.  Are you close to your goals?  Do you still have many things to learn?  If you are never absent, you will improve more quickly.  If you practice at home, you will improve more quickly.  It all depends on you!


Question: Where do I meet my tutor?

Answer: For virtual tutoring, you will meet over the phone or by computer at a time that is easy for you. You and your tutor will decide the best device and time together. When in-person tutoring resumes, open tutoring will meet at the same time and place every week, and for personal tutoring, you and your tutor will decide the best place and time together.


Question: How often do I meet my tutor?

Answer: You will meet with your tutor once a week for about 2 hours.


Question: What if I have to cancel a tutoring appointment?

Answer: Everyone has emergencies.  You can cancel or reschedule an appointment by calling your tutor.  You must let your tutor know if you will miss an appointment.  If you cancel often or if you don’t call your tutor, your tutor will be assigned to another learner.


Question: Virtual Tutoring is better for my schedule/lifestyle. Can I keep my virtual tutor even when in-person tutoring resumes?

Answer: Yes! You can keep working with your virtual tutor. As long as you both want to continue, you can work together virtually for as long as you like.