Every day adults contact Washtenaw Literacy for help with reading, writing, and math. Though they struggle with reading, writing, and math, adults have vast knowledge and life experience in other areas.

A Basic Literacy (BL) Virtual Tutor helps an individual or cluster of learners improve their reading, writing, and/or math skills to reach a variety of goals by working over the phone or by computer. The tutor and learner(s) meet 2 hours/week for 4 months or more. Virtual tutors complete 6 hours of Virtual Tutor Training where you will learn about session planning, as well as virtual tutoring platforms and strategies. Staff assesses all learners entering the Virtual Tutoring program and makes all tutoring assignments.

A Basic Literacy (BL) Community Tutor helps an individual or cluster of learners in our computer lab or a class-like environment where multiple tutors are working with multiple learners in the same place at the same time. Learners seek to improve their reading, writing, and/or math skills on a flexible, drop-in basis. BL community tutors are encouraged to attend tutor training where you will learn about the structure of different groups, how to address your learner's goals, and practice teaching strategies. Learners are assessed on-site and tutoring assignments may change week to week.

A Basic Literacy (BL) Personal Tutor helps an individual or cluster of learners improve their reading, writing, and/or math skills to reach a variety of goals: reading the newspaper, obtaining employment, helping a child with homework, to name just a few. The tutor and learner(s) meet 2 hours/week for 6 months or more. Personal tutors complete 15 hours of Core Tutor Training where you will learn to craft goal-oriented lessons using authentic materials geared toward your learners' goals, strengths, and skills. Staff assesses all learners entering the Personal Tutoring program and makes all tutoring assignments.

A Basic Literacy (BL) Learning Lab Tutor helps a small- to large-sized group of learners improve their reading, writing, and/or math skills in a classroom-like learning opportunity. The tutor determines the topic, sets the agenda, and chooses the time/day and duration of the learning lab. Staff provides a list of offerings to learners 3 times a year. Learners can register online or by calling the office. Orientation is not required. Tutors interested in leading a learning lab should contact Alison (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) first for availability. 

To volunteer as a Basic Literacy tutor, register to attend an ABCs of Washtenaw Literacy Information Session, and click here to learn more about our tutor training.

You can register for training at the ABCs Information Session or afterwards by calling (734) 337-3338 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..