Getting Involved with the Literacy Network
Literacy Network (LitNet) offers members of our community the opportunity to get involved and make a difference for immigrants, individuals, and families. Each year at LitNet, over 150 volunteer tutors share their time and talent with our students teaching them to read, write and speak English, prepare for the high school equivalency exam, and study for the U.S. Citizenship test. Much of LitNet’s success is due to the commitment and compassion of our diverse group of volunteers. Volunteering with us will teach you more about the strengths and challenges facing our community, connect with others who share your belief in the power of education to transform lives, and find a compelling way to give back.
Now more than ever, joining LitNet as a volunteer can have a positive and lasting impact. Our volunteers ensure that members of our community have access to the information and resources they need to navigate daily living while helping their students envision a brighter future ahead for themselves and their families.
How Does Tutoring with LitNet Work?
When you reach out to us, via phone or email, we arrange to have a conversation with you to tell you more about LitNet including who we serve and what services we offer, and, above all, to learn more about you. We answer questions and get a sense of the learners you might feel best being paired with and your general availability to provide weekly tutoring. Next, we send you a tutor intake form.
Additionally, we share LitNet’s Tutor Manual with all new tutors, provide support with online and physical resources, and pair new tutors with a more experienced, lead tutor should they so wish. At the onset of the Covid pandemic, in-person training was halted. Consequently, we are working to provide effective and supportive virtual training opportunities. In the meantime, ongoing coaching provided by LitNet’s Executive Director and our Learner Liaison is ongoing. We meet with tutors for consultations and pedagogical support in our resource office at the Lee Library.
Once your intake form has been received, we begin to think of the right pairing for you. Sometimes we find a match very quickly! Other times, the match can take several weeks. We try to match learners with tutors as quickly as we can, but we highly value a “right” match.
When we have a match for you, we will share that learner’s details with you and see what questions you might have. Then, if you agree, we will inform the learners and support the match in planning for their first sessions.
Tutors and learners typically meet for 1 hour per week in person or virtually. Some work in a hybrid manner.
Remember, if you have questions at any time, you can always call the LitNet office for help at 413-243-0471.
What kind of tutoring do we provide through our volunteer tutors?
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
We support learners to speak, understand, read, and write in English or to improve overall fluency, understanding, and pronunciation.
Adult Basic Education
We help learners:
- to pass their driver’s license test.
- with job applications.
- read to their children and grandchildren.
- improve their own levels of literacy (reading and writing)
High School Equivalency Certificates (HiSet or GED)
We can support learners in registering for and preparing for the HiSET or the GED, in all subjects.
Citizenship
In the same way, we are here to help eligible learners study civics and the English language in order to pass the U.S. Citizenship interview and examination.
If you are interested in becoming a tutor or just want to learn more about our organization, please contact us at [email protected]g or call 413-243-0471. Thank you for your interest!
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