Learn English

Due to COVID-19, all in-person tutoring is suspended. However, you may still qualify for a tutor who will work with you by phone or computer. Contact Makayla (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or call 734-337-3375 for more information.

Washtenaw Literacy offers English as a Second language (ESL) tutoring for adults. Tutoring is free and will help you pursue your goals. Tutoring is open to adults who live, work, or volunteer in Washtenaw County.

Do you qualify for tutoring?

Use this checklist to see if you qualify for tutoring:

I am 16 years or older
I live, work, or volunteer in Washtenaw County
I need help with English language and/or culture
I can commit to weekly tutoring for 6 months

If you checked all the boxes, you are eligible for a tutor.

You have 3 tutoring options. You can be involved in more than one.

1. ESL Open Tutoring

Note: All in-person Open Tutoring has been SUSPENDED through June 30. Check our COVID-19 Update page for more details.

Learn English in a dynamic small group environment with experienced tutors. ESL Open Tutoring meet weekly for 90 minutes and is open to learners at all skill levels. Multiple locations offer a flexible schedule. Go whenever you can to any location. Those who attend often improve faster. You can start today! Learners can attend as many groups as they choose - no advance registration is required. For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (734) 337-3338.

The ESL Open Tutoring schedule is published three times a year.

2. Learning Labs

Note: In-person Learning Labs have been SUSPENDED through June 30.

NEW: Summer Virtual Learning Labs start on July 6. See the list below for more information.

English Conversation 101 - For beginner to intermediate English speakers
Exploring Michigan - For intermediate English language learners
Civics in America - For intermediate to advanced English language learners
Advancing Your Carer: Job Search 101 - For upper-intermediate to advanced English language learners
Let's Talk About the News - For intermediate English language learners

Learn English in a small group focused on a specific topic. Attendance is required, space is limited, and learners must register in advance. Registration opens in December for winter learning labs, April for spring/summer learning labs, and August for fall learning labs.

3. ESL Personal Tutoring

Note: All in-person Personal Tutoring has been SUSPENDED through June 30. Check our COVID-19 Update page for more details.

ESL Personal Tutoring is for those who want more intensive study. Most ESL Personal Tutoring is in clusters of 3-4 learners with one tutor. We have very few one-on-one placements, and they are for learners who can not read or write in any language. If qualified, Washtenaw Literacy assigns learners with a tutor for 6 months to work on specific goals and skills. Learners meet with the tutor for two hours a week in public places. An orientation is required to see if a learner is qualified for a personal tutor.

How do I get a personal tutor?

Note: All in-person Learner Orientations have been SUSPENDED through June 30. However, you may still qualify for a tutor who will work with you by phone or computer.

To get a personal tutor, follow these steps:

Contact Makayla Whitney at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (734) 337-3338 to schedule an orientation.
Meet with Makayla to complete an orientation and to register for a tutor.
Respond to your volunteer tutor's phone call to set up tutoring sessions.