Frequently Asked Questions

Literacy Volunteers is dedicated to raising the literacy level of adults in the community. We work with you to arrange tutoring times and locations to fit your schedule. Most volunteers find the work highly satisfying.

What is Literacy Volunteers?

Literacy Volunteers Western Cook County (LVWCC) is a not-for-profit agency that provides free tutoring services and literacy programs to adults in western Chicago and suburban Cook County through its network of trained volunteers. Established in 1986, LVWCC currently serves approximately 200 students per year.

What types of students does LVWCC serve?

LVWCC is an adult literacy program. We serve adults that are seeking to improve their reading skills, speak English as a second language (E.S.L.), or are seeking to obtain their high school equivalency diploma (G.E.D).  Adults must be 18 years or older, read below the 9th grade level and not enrolled in high school.

Do I need to have a teaching background to become a literacy tutor?

No prior teaching experience is required, but initial and on-going training is provided. LVWCC tutors come from all walks of life and represent a wide variety of backgrounds and occupations.

Do I need to go through any training?

Yes, LVWCC provides a Tutor Training Workshop for prospective tutors. The training includes 12 hours of classroom activity and 6 hours of self-instruction.  At the conclusion of the workshop, volunteers are certified through ProLiteracy Worldwide as adult literacy tutors and paired with a LVWCC literacy student.

How often am I expected to tutor?

At LVWCC we ask our volunteers to meet with their students once a week for 90 minutes. We ask volunteers and students for a one year commitment. Many of our volunteers have tutored for 3 or more years.

Where do I meet with my student?

Tutors and students typically meet at local libraries for their weekly sessions. This is the meeting place we strongly recommend until a friendship and a trust is established between the pair.

Does LVWCC provide me with lesson plans and a fixed curriculum for my student?

During the Tutor Training Workshop, you will learn a variety strategies and techniques. The methods are proven, however, instruction and tutoring can be tailored to meet an individual’s specific learning needs.
LVWCC will gladly assist you in finding the proper materials and approach for your student, however, LVWCC does not subscribe to any ready-made, unilateral program of study. It is our belief that each student is unique and has their own learning style.

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