About Literacy Network
LitNet provides free, individualized, one-on-one instruction to speakers of other languages wishing to improve their English skills as well as any adult seeking help with basic education, high school equivalency test preparation, or U.S. citizenship test preparation.
Building an Engaged, Welcoming and Literate Berkshire Community
The Literacy Network (LitNet) has been offering free, one-on-one tutoring sessions for adults since 1991. LitNet’s flexible, personalized approach to tutoring enables adult learners to succeed in their jobs, support their families, and engage with their local communities.
The organization began by teaching reading skills, and LitNet quickly expanded its curriculum with lessons in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), citizenship test preparation, and adult basic education to better serve the large population of immigrants who live and work in the Berkshires.
Vision, Mission, Core Values
Our professional staff and trained team of volunteer tutors offer generalized educational support and promote access to a network of community resources.
Our Vision
An engaged, welcoming, and literate Berkshire community.
Our Mission
To transform the lives of adult learners, both immigrant and U.S.-born, through the power of literacy, education, and advocacy.
Our Core Values
We believe everyone has a right to an education.
We believe in the power of literacy to transform lives.
We believe challenges in life and learning should be met with patience and flexibility.
We believe a connected community is a stronger community.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Literacy Network of South Berkshire (DBA ‘Literacy Network’ or ‘LitNet’) was founded in 1991 by reading and learning disability specialists, Zoë Dalheim and Peg Smith, in partnership with the Lee Library Association. In 1995, we became an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Don’t worry! LitNet is an English immersion program. Our goals are to help our learners communicate better in English and to be thriving members of our community. LitNet will provide you with training, materials, and ongoing support as you work with your learner. Your skills as an English speaker and your knowledge of our community and culture are invaluable to our learners.
Tutoring takes place at mutually convenient times and in public places. Most tutoring happens in libraries across the county, many have private rooms to offer, and all are accustomed to welcoming tutors and learners. Some tutoring occurs at the LitNet Susan Weintraub Tutor Resource Center in Lee.
- Tutors work with learners for at least one or two hours a week, making lesson plans as they see fit.
- Tutors are asked to submit an electronic monthly progress report.
We wish tutors a bon voyage! In best-case scenarios, tutors make arrangements with learners, giving them assignments or areas to focus on. For longer vacations, including those who winter in warmer places, virtual tutoring (Zoom) is an option or we will try to find a substitute.
We are able to provide this vital resource to our learners thanks to donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations. We host an annual fundraising celebration, which is our single-largest source of revenue for the program. And, of course, we could not do what we do without our amazing volunteers!
Our Story
The Literacy Network (LitNet) has been offering free, one-on-one tutoring sessions for adults since 1991. LitNet’s flexible, personalized approach to tutoring enables adult learners to succeed in their jobs, support their families, and engage with their local communities. The organization began by teaching reading skills, and LitNet quickly expanded its curriculum with lessons in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), citizenship test preparation, and adult basic education to better serve the large population of immigrants who live and work in the Berkshires.
According to the 2014 American Community Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau, about 3,000 individuals in LitNet’s primary service area speak a language other than English at home. The need for high-quality English language instruction in the Berkshires continues to grow. The Berkshire Immigrant Center reports that Berkshire County has the most diverse immigrant population in the state, and a large, growing Latino population, second in the state only to Chicopee. Between 2009 and 2014, the number of South Berkshire residents who spoke a language other than English at home increased by about 30%.
Learners
LitNet serves the large population of immigrants who live and work in Berkshire County. According to the American Community Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau, between 2009 and 2014, the number of South Berkshire residents who spoke a language other than English at home increased by almost 30%. About 3,000 individuals in LitNet’s primary service area speak a language other than English at home.
In the past year, learners enrolled with the Literacy Network ranged in age from 20-71. They were of limited income and came from 30 different countries and spoke at least 18 different languages collectively. The majority of LitNet students are from Central and South America; however, we also have students from Western, Central, and Eastern Europe as well as China, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia. Some LitNet students have learning disabilities and have been unsuccessful in more traditional learning environments.
Currently, more than 83% of LitNet’s learners are studying ESOL, 5% are working to receive their high school equivalency certificate, 10% are pursuing their American citizenship, and 2% are practicing basic reading skills.
Tutors
LitNet tutors are an ever-growing network of over 145 professionals: bankers, physicians, librarians, horticulturists, business owners, editors, teachers, lawyers, speech pathologists, nurses, actors, artists, journalists, scientists, graphic designers, playwrights, nonprofit leaders, and social workers.
We provide our volunteer tutors with training and ongoing support. Some tutors have backgrounds in education, others do not. There is no need to have any expertise in any language except English. The only requirement is to be interested in helping change lives, one student at a time.
Tutors are community-builders and cultural brokers. They offer LitNet learners the opportunity to learn, grow, ask questions, and make mistakes in a supportive and compassionate environment. Tutors are often a critical resource in teaching our immigrant learners the ins and outs of American culture and life in the Berkshires.