Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is Learn English and Reading Now, Inc. (LEARN English)?

LEARN English is a nonprofit organization that provides free, confidential, one-on-one tutoring and group classes for adults in basic reading and writing and in English for Speakers of Other Languages in the Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro area. 

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Is there really a need for tutors in Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County?  

Yes. Here are a few of the many reasons we need you:

•  Data from 2016-2020 provided by the Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center show that in the Staunton, Augusta, Waynesboro area:

  • 3,505 (4.8%) adults have less than a 9th-grade education;

  • 11,146 (15.2%) adults aged 18-64 do not have high school diploma or equivalent;

  • 800 people speak English “not well” or “not at all.

• An increasing number of residents from other countries now live in our area and want to learn English.

 

Who can become a tutor?

Anyone 18 years of age or older who has a solid command of the English language and is patient, flexible, well-organized, nonjudgmental, committed, and a good listener can be a tutor.

 

What kind of time commitment is there to being a tutor?

To become a tutor, you must complete a seven-hour tutor training session with some homework to be completed in advance. After that, we ask that you—

• tutor for about eight hours a month in addition to planning sessions, and

• tutor for at least a year, in a public place.

 

How can I talk with someone more about becoming a LEARN English tutor?

Call the LEARN English office in Fishersville, at 540-256-2673 on Tuesday or Thursday, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and talk with Executive Director Gabrielle Moore. You can also leave a message at other times and someone will call you back. Or email us at learnva@gmail.com.

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Do you have to be a teacher or have an education background to become a tutor?

Absolutely not. Although educators make great tutors, you just need a passion for teaching and helping others and a willingness to learn from the training about teaching others. If you love helping people, have an interest in teaching, find other cultures fascinating, or think that helping another adult to learn to read might be fun, you would make a great tutor.

 

What if I want to teach only English as a Second Language or just Basic Literacy?

We prefer tutors be willing to be matched with either type of learner, but we will try our best to accommodate your preferences

 

What if I only want to teach a female or only a male?

We do our utmost to match tutors with students with whom they will be comfortable. 

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How much time is spent planning lessons outside of the actual tutoring time?

It is up to the tutor how much time is spent on planning lessons. At first, it may take longer, but tutors usually spend an average of 30 minutes a week planning sessions.

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What’s the hardest part of tutoring?

One of the hardest parts of tutoring is finding resources for lessons. LEARN English has many resources tutors can utilize. We have an ESOL curriculum and shelves full of Basic Literacy resources and lesson ideas, as well as access to extensive online tutoring resources. 

 

What’s the best part about tutoring?

Building strong relationships through shared cultures and learning is one of the many positive benefits of becoming a tutor. Being a part of a learner's success is extremely rewarding. 

 

What happens if I’m tutoring and need help?

Other LEARN English tutors are only an email or phone call away. There are also a variety of other tutor communication avenues that may be helpful such as tutor gatherings and lesson exchange opportunities.

 

Do the tutors and learners ever get together?

Yes. Once a year, LEARN English holds a Tutor-Learner Appreciation Dinner. It’s a time when we can all celebrate our successes and get to know each other better. It’s a wonderful gathering of generations, cultures, and amazing food.

 

For all other questions, please call, email, or come by—we will do everything we can to answer all of your questions. We appreciate your interest in helping the adults in our area.

 

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Tutor for Learn English and Reading Now, Inc. You are valuable to us and we hope you will consider changing the life of an adult in our area.