Adult Volunteer Literacy
In our Adult Volunteer Literacy program, volunteer literacy tutors work one-on-one or in small groups with adult learners, focusing on helping learners reach their individual goals. We also provide classroom instruction for beginning English language learners on our waitlist for a tutor.
Our learners: Neighbors ready to succeed.
Our learners are adult men and women of all ages, nationalities, economic and social backgrounds, living in west suburban Chicago. They’re neighbors all around us, trying to fit in, communicate better, get jobs, or improve their work and family lives. Our adult learners perform at the lowest levels of English proficiency, often below a sixth grade reading level. Many cannot attend traditional English classes due to their schedule or other personal reasons. We use interviews and learning assessments to determine each learner's needs, reading abilities and life goals. Becoming a learner is completely free aside from a one-time $10 fee to cover the assessment.
Basic Reading Learners are proficient in English, but may have difficulty identifying letters or words, reading a menu or sign, filling out a job application or doing simple math. Tutors focus their lessons on improving the learner’s reading, writing, spelling and basic math skills, if desired, in order to help the adult learner function more self-sufficiently.
English Language Learners may or may not be proficient in their native language, but are living in a community in which improving their understanding and usage of English is crucial to their success at home and at work. Tutors help learners learn to read, write, speak and understand English, so that they can take a more active role in the society.
"Learning English has changed my life...I no longer feel afraid or frustrated. Life for me has improved because not only do I feel better about myself, I also now like to read and write. [...] I have more self-confidence. I was able to buy a house."
- Juan, Learner
Our tutors: Volunteers ready to help.
All tutors are volunteers in our community who support our mission to help individuals reach their literacy goals. Tutors receive 12 hours of training through our partner Literacy Works. Tutors are then matched with learners and meet weekly for approximately one hour at a mutually agreed upon time and public place, often a local library, or online via a program like Zoom. Tutors level-appropriate curriculum and tailor their tutoring based on the learner's level and goals. Our office shares continued support with all tutors and learners.
One-on-one tutoring pairs one tutor and one learner to focus on individualized learning.
Small group tutoring brings together several learners at a similar level to receive tutor support and conversation practice
FeelFluent Chasers Classes are led by an English language instructor and supported by volunteer tutors. These classes support beginning English Language Learners who are on our waitlist for a one-on-one or small group tutor and would like to begin their learning process.
Conversation Groups are hosted by Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin and led by Literacy Connection volunteer tutors. These groups are open to the community and no assessments are required. Learn more about conversation groups.
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