LVMC offers combined training in basic literacy (BL) and conversational English for speakers of other languages (ESL) You do not need to speak another language in order to help an ESL learner.

Volunteer tutors receive twenty-one hours of instruction led by a certified tutor-trainer. This also includes a Tutor-In-Service on the 3 LD's: Learning Difficulties, Differences and Disabilities led by a certified Learning Disabilities Teacher and our PowerPath Assessor. There is no charge to learners who receive tutoring help. Volunteer tutors are asked to pay a nominal fee to help defray the cost of their books, assessment packages and tutorial materials. Certified volunteer tutors are welcome to borrow books and other learning materials from our literacy library.

Literacy Volunteers of Monmouth County asks each certified volunteer tutor to make a serious commitment to combating illiteracy. Our organization invests a lot of time and money in training our tutors and we ask our tutors to make a commitment to volunteer for at least one year with LVMC to help tutor those learners who need literacy skills. Once a tutor has completed training, he/she is matched with a literacy student. Tutors generally work one-on-one with Basic Literacy learners. ESL tutors have the choice of working one-on-one, in small groups or as part of team-tutoring in ESL classes. All tutors use learner-centered instruction. Tutors and learners meet on an average of once a week for two hours and the tutoring sessions take place in libraries, community centers, churches and other public places in locations throughout the county. Tutoring sessions should always take place in a public location for the safety of both tutor and learner.

Tutors who have any questions or problems while working with their learners are urged to call the LVMC office for advice, direction or student referral to other programs. Any problems are dealt with as quickly as possible. Tutor trainers are also available for information and advice. Tutor-In-Service Programs are held several times a year to provide additional information for our tutors. Additionally, casual meetings are held where tutors can share methods that have worked for them and where they can get additional support from other tutors.

Certification