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Training Information

Frequently Asked Questions

We welcome new members to Literacy Volunteers of the Tarrytowns by offering training in tutoring English for Speakers of Other Languages.

Online tutor training – a flexible option - new volunteers to complete an online course that was designed for Literacy Volunteers called Intake to Outcomes (I2O). The course takes approximately 12 hours to view and can be completed whenever it is convenient for the volunteer. Following completion of the course, the trained volunteer meets with one or more trainers at The Warner Library to complete an orientation session to learn about our local program, see our tutoring materials and learn to administer the assessment we use. The orientation session can be scheduled whenever the library is open and takes about 90 minutes. Online tutor training requires a $25 fee to register for the course.

In-person training is offered in the form of an 18-hour workshop over the course of six sessions at The Warner Library, usually on Saturday mornings. The COVID-19 pandemic prevents us from conducting in-person tutor training workshops for now. Our in-person workshop allows us to present tools and techniques via video and live presentations and discuss them as we progress through the course. In-person training requires a $25 fee to cover the cost of the textbook we use. Completion of all six sessions is required.

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How can I train online to be a Literacy Volunteer tutor?

Online tutor training is available any time if you have access to a computer and an internet connection. The online workshop presents strategies to teach basic listening and speaking skills through text, audio and video. The online course takes approximately 12 hours and is completed at the tutor's own pace. The training is facilitated by a team of experienced tutor trainers, and tutors have access to the workshop materials. Once the course is completed, tutors meet with an LVT trainer for an on-site orientation. If you would like to begin training as a tutor, please send an email to LVTTutors@gmail.com expressing your interest. Our Director of Tutor Training will respond within 2 business days.

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Does LVT offer training for Basic Literacy tutors?

We currently do not offer online training for tutors of Basic Literacy for native English speakers. We have found that in our community, the learner applications are overwhelmingly from the immigrant community seeking help with English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), so it is rarely possible to match a tutor to a learner needing help with basic reading and writing.

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What will I learn in the tutor training classes?

You will learn specific techniques to help your learner acquire the English language skills, vocabulary, and confidence he or she needs to navigate everyday life in the United States. Topics that LVT tutors cover with their learners include shopping, medical and dental appointments, talking on the telephone, applying for a job, meeting your child's teachers, preparing for U.S. citizenship, and applying to college. You will learn how to tailor your tutoring sessions to the needs and aspirations of your learner.

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How often do the tutor training classes take place?

Tutor training workshops for English as a Second Language (ESL) will be offered in the spring and fall of each year, when there are no COVID restrictions. Each workshop consists of six morning classes plus a follow-up class after tutoring has commenced. When we cannot hold in-person training workshops, we ask volunteers to complete an online training course that was developed for Literacy New York. The 12-hour online training can be completed at your own pace. Upon completion, a two hour in-person orientation is required to be assigned a learner.

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