Volunteer Program Support
Quality Literacy Programs
Literacy NOW promotes quality literacy instruction by developing and supporting programs - not simply training their volunteer tutors. We value the elements of quality included in the Volunteer Literacy Principles, a set of standards developed by a group of experienced volunteer literacy program managers in Washington State. This document contains the criteria used to assess the quality of volunteer literacy programs receiving funding from the Adult Basic Education in Washington State.
While tutor training is an essential component of any literacy program, trained tutors alone do not form a program. The training is only valuable if the tutors return to a program that provides them with assessed learners, appropriate materials, ongoing support and contact. So, Literacy NOW ensures that programs meet some of the basic elements before providing training for their volunteer tutors. This way, trained tutors fit back snugly into a program framework of support so that quality teaching happens for adult learners.
Consistently, coordinators report that 95% of the volunteers trained by Literacy NOW became active ESL / literacy teachers in their programs. This documents the value of connecting quality program management to training volunteers. And it’s testimony to the good job of screening and support given volunteers in each of the programs we serve.
Back to TopProgram Management Consultation for new and existing programs
Do you want to start a volunteer literacy / ESL program?
Do you want to receive ESL or literacy training for volunteer tutors in your program?
First, contact Lee Jewett to arrange for an initial consultation to assess the current status of your new or existing program. We will discuss all of the basic elements listed below that are essential for a literacy program to give adult learners the quality of instruction they deserve. If needed, you can receive loads of advice, resources, materials, ideas, and connections with other programs to help you meet any of the basic elements of the Volunteer Literacy Principles. Then, we can discuss the possibility of receiving volunteer tutor training from Literacy NOW.
Do you want additional ideas to strengthen your literacy program?
Contact Lee Jewett to arrange for a consultation visit or phone call. Literacy NOW staff can offer advice, resources, materials, ideas, and connections with other programs to help you meet any of the Volunteer Literacy Principles. Common topics for discussion are the basic elements of a quality literacy program:
- Developing a program purpose statement
- Designing services to meet the learners’ needs
- Recruiting and assessing literacy and ESL learners
- Developing volunteer tutor job descriptions
- Recruiting, screening, and supporting great volunteers
- Selecting appropriate teaching materials
- Providing ongoing support to tutors and learners
Material
Volunteer Literacy Principles: Comprehensive Program Quality Standards
Best Practices: A Resource Book for Volunteer Tutor Program Coordinators and Best Practices: Samples
Back to TopVolunteer Literacy Program Management Workshops
During 2 – 3 hour workshops, coordinators collect new ideas for managing a quality ESL and literacy program. The workshops are offered in the Seattle area to new and experienced staff in volunteer literacy programs.
Workshop topics may include:
Getting and Keeping Great Volunteers
Assessing Learner Progress
Workshop comments:
“Now, I will be more skillful in defining our opportunities and making our selective recruitment process.”
“Today was very helpful – all of the information can easily be transferred to work. It was wonderful!”
“I got a lot out of the group work. Brainstorming and learning other agencies’ best practices was helpful. The workshop was very well organized and the trainer kept us moving forward. Now I will screen volunteers more effectively.”
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