Thank you for your interest in our programs.
Literacy Council of Fort Bend County (LCFBC) is committed to providing basic literacy and English instruction to area adult residents. We also act as advocates for all literacy efforts. Formed in 1987, LCFBC serves adults who have made the commitment to help themselves change their lives. Well trained and supported volunteers work one-to-one with adults needing help in basic literacy and on a small group basis in English conversation skills. The focus is on using materials tied to the learner’s goals and interests and stressing “real life” situations.
Program Descriptions
The Basic Literacy Program serves adults in need of literacy skills. It is taught one-to-one. Current tutoring sites are local libraries and various locations throughout the county.
The ESL (English as a Second Language) Program serves non-English speaking adults who may or may not be literate in their own language. ESL small groups focus on conversational English. These classes are also taught in a variety of locations. You can tutor during the day or in the evening; weekdays or weekends.
Tutor Training Workshops
There is no charge for the tutor training, which is conducted by staff and volunteer trainers. Materials are provided by a grant from The George Foundation. We offer six (6) tutor-trainings per year. Trainings are 16 hours in length. For convenience, times and days of the workshop are rotated between weekends and evenings.
LCFBC is a full affiliate of the national organization, Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA), through whom LCFBC receives technical support and materials. Our tutor training is based on the LVA method, which takes an integrated approach to teaching reading, writing and conversational English. Basic literacy training includes the following techniques: language experience, phonics, word patterns, sight word, context clues and writing. With ESL training, we emphasize techniques to increase conversation skills.
Requirements
Previous teaching experience is NOT required to become a tutor, however, the desire to help adult students better their lives is essential. If you complete the tutor training, you will be fully qualified to teach an adult to read. You also do not need to know a foreign language to teach ESL. In ESL tutor training you will learn ESL methodology and how to use it with a small group.
Who Are the Students and How Are We Matched?
Students are referred to us through friends, relatives, libraries, TV, flyers, churches, workplaces, etc. They must be at least 18 years old, read below a 6th grade level, or have a minimal knowledge of English. Some students might have completed part or all or high school, but for whatever reason cannot read well enough to function in society to the degree that they would like. Some ESL students are college educated.
Once you have a completed the training workshop you will be matched with a student(s) who can meet at the time and location that you have indicated on your volunteer application.
Commitment
We suggest that you tutor 3 hours a week, preferably in 2 meetings, to see any significant progress. Dedication, commitment and a sense of humor are also needed. In order to maintain our funding it is crucial that you record your tutor and student hours, and send the report to the LCFBC office every month.
Rewards
There are many rewards to teaching an adult to read, write or speak English. There is a lot of satisfaction in helping someone achieve his/her goals. In addition, you can observe the ripple effect that increased knowledge and self-esteem have on your student’s life and the lives of his/her family members.
Other Opportunities to Volunteer
If you decide not to tutor, please consider helping us in the office or with fund raising, public speaking, or helping during a tutor-training workshop. Donations of funds are appreciated.
For more information, please contact Amelia Perez: 281-240-6411
or email aperez@ftbendliteracy.org
Click Here for Tutor Application Form
The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, an Accredited Affiliate of ProLiteracy America, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to end inter-generational cycles of illiteracy in Fort Bend County by improving adult literacy skills and generating community-wide literacy awareness.
Make a difference . . . Our support comes from continuing donations from individuals, service groups, foundations and corporations. A donation of $250 provides a year of support materials for a student and his/her tutor. $1,000 provides materials for four students for a whole year.
Many people talk about the problem of illiteracy . . .YOU can actually do something about it!