Tutor Training Sessions Scheduled in Rolla

The East Central Area Literacy Council in partnership with East Central College is seeking individuals interested in serving as tutors for adult education and English language acquisition classes offered in Rolla.

No special academic degrees are required to be a tutor.  People who can read and write, are willing to be trained, have patience, and are interested in helping others qualify to tutor.

Tutor training sessions will be held at the First Baptist Church located at  801 Cedar Street in Rolla.  Volunteers can attend training on Wednesday, October 21 or Wednesday, October 28, from 9 a.m. until noon either day.

“For the English Language Acquisition program we need to prepare tutors to work with adults who are learning and developing the language skills necessary for living and working in the community, stated Diane Crowder, literacy council board member and tutor trainer.  “Tutors will work one-on-one with individuals who either desire to acquire English language skills or prepare to take the test to earn citizenship.  ELA tutors need to be fluent in English and sensitive to cultural differences.”

“At this time we have 22 people enrolled in the English Language Acquisition classes we are offering three mornings a week in Rolla,” noted Alice Whalen, director of adult education and literacy at ECC.  “In order to accommodate more students we desperately need additional tutors.”

She stated that tutors are also needed for AEL classes held Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Missouri Career Center on South Bishop in Rolla and AEL classes held Tuesday and Thursday evenings at ECC’s facility at 2303 North Bishop.

“Our volunteer tutors have the opportunity to work with adults on reading, math, writing or high school equivalency test preparation,” Whalen said. “Following their three hours of training and orientation, the volunteers are just making a commitment of just a few hours a week to tutor someone.”

To reserve a seat at either tutor training session or to learn more about the free AEL and language acquisition classes offered throughout Phelps County, call 573-719-1323 or email ael@eastcentral.edu.

Volunteers must provide a criminal background check. That cost is $12 and must be paid  by the  volunteer.  Background check forms will be available at the tutor training sessions.