Due to a large waiting list, it can take up to 6 months or longer for an adult learner to be matched with a volunteer tutor!! Start Now is a drop in learning lab, which allows learners to get immediate service while waiting to be matched with a permanent volunteer tutor. It also allows volunteer tutors greater scheduling flexibility than the one-on-one tutoring program.
How does it work?
This program allows adult learners enrolled in our program to make one-hour tutoring appointments on a weekly basis. This lab is operated in our offices at Cohn Adult Learning Center, and is in operation Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 9 A.M. until noon, and Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M.
How can I help?
Volunteers fill time slots in one-hour increments as often or as little as their schedule permits. One hour per week, or two hours every other week - it's all according to your schedule. Simply let us know when you're available during Start Now lab hours, and we will schedule learners for you to tutor. While you won't be matched with the same learner every time, you will have the opportunity to work with many different learners, both literacy and English as a second language. This allows learners an opportunity to start the learning process immediately and keep momentum while waiting for a permanent tutor.
But I'm not a teacher.. Does that matter?
Absolutely not! As long as you have a desire to make a difference and are fluent in reading, writing and speaking English, you can help! After training with an NALC staff member, and observing other volunteers, all you have to do is show up! There is no lesson planning required by the tutor. After the learner is assessed by NALC, lesson plans are made by a staff member. Through the volunteer's notes and feed-back on the session, NALC staff members then complete lesson plans for the learner's next visit.
How do I get started?
Training dates and times are flexible for the Start Now program. For more information, or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact us at the NALC office, 298-8060.
