Salem

Literacy Volunteer Program

Mission

The Literacy Volunteer Program, LVP, in Salem provides individual and small group tutoring for adults enrolled in Chemeketa's Adult Basic Education, ABE/GED and English to Speakers of Other Languages, ESOL, classes. Under the supervision of a paid instructor, volunteers assist adult students with basic reading, writing, math and English conversation skills.

LVP Fast FAQs

Quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions: Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of LVP

WHO

LVP learners are English-speaking adults and non-native English speakers, 18 years or older and not in high school, from varied social and economic backgrounds. Eligible students must be capable of making progress toward a higher level of basic skills within a reasonable length of time.

LVP tutors are adults (18 or older) with a High School Diploma or GED and the language skills necessary to help other adults learn basic English and literacy skills.

WHAT

Volunteers provide small group or individual tutoring and may help students with:

Reading
Writing

Basic math
Pronunciation

Vocabulary
English conversation

Tutor responsibilities include:

Completion of program orientation, pre-service workshop and tutor trainings
Keeping records of time spent tutoring
Commitment to a consistent weekly schedule for a school term (3 months)

WHERE

Tutoring sessions take place in ABE/GED and ESOL classes at the Salem Chemeketa campus and in classes at area community sites.

WHEN

Tutoring sessions take place during scheduled class time. Both day and night classes are available.

WHY

Individuals are motivated to become literacy tutors for a variety of reasons. However, as a general rule, LVP volunteer tutors care about improving the quality of life for non-readers and English language learners in our community.

HOW

LVP tutors receive free training designed to equip them to: understand the adult learner; be culturally sensitive; work with different learning and teaching styles; develop various teaching strategies; and become familiar with core and supplemental teaching materials. Non - LVP volunteers may attend the training for a fee.

Becoming a Volunteer Tutor

What characteristics make a successful LVP tutor?

Dependability and promptness
Sensitivity to a student's individual needs
Flexibility and patience
Friendliness and optimism
Acceptance of differences in age, culture, language, socio-economic level and educational background

What benefits do volunteers receive?

Development of tutoring and interpersonal skills
Work experience
An opportunity to explore career possibilities in the field of adult education
Intercultural understanding
The satisfaction of helping others
The opportunity to learn more about "what you thought you knew" about the English language!

How to get started:

The first steps to becoming a volunteer tutor are to complete the orientation and volunteer tutor application. The self-paced orientation is designed to familiarize potential volunteers with the Literacy Volunteer Program and help them answer the question: “Is this the right volunteer opportunity for me?” Orientation is a pre-requisite for all potential volunteers. “Verification of completion” instructions are included.

When you are ready to begin, the orientation is available by clicking on the highlighted text. Please note you will need the most current version of Adobe Reader to open the file. For a free and safe download click here. You can also download a printer friendly version or receive a print copy by contacting the literacy specialist at the Woodburn Campus.

After you’ve completed the orientation, please complete and return the LVP Volunteer Application Form by simply clicking “submit by e-mail” or you may print and mail to:

Literacy Volunteer Program Salem Chemeketa Campus, Bldg. 20A P.O. Box 14007, Salem, OR 97309-7070

Please feel free to contact Angelica Macias at 503-399-5223 or amacias6@chemeketa.edu if you have further questions.

Updated June 30, 2009 by Lorie Bickford, lbickfor@cp.chemeketa.edu.