Adult Basic Education Volunteer Tutor

Overview

Currently one in five Nashville adults is at the lowest level of literacy. Literacy is the foundation for a better life. Adult literacy rates impact every part of Nashville employment and poverty levels, healthcare costs, K-12 school performance, family and community relationships, and general dependence on systems for support. NALC offers multi-generational independence through literacy.

NALC’s vision is for all Nashvillians to experience the transformative impact literacy has in creating an engaged, independent, and confident adult life.

One in five Nashville adults lives with low literacy levels. We’re working to change that statistic one learner at a time through our volunteer program. As a volunteer, you commit to working with one learner for at least three months, once or twice a week. NALC will provide training and ongoing support, but our learners’ goals are our priority and instruction must focus on meeting learner needs.

We match one adult literacy learner with one volunteer tutor based on schedule, location, and other preferences. Learners’ levels, needs, and interests will vary. Training and materials are provided.

Instruction determined by learners. Staff works with students to craft an individualized learning plan. Lessons are learner-driven, but may include any combination of:

• phonemic awareness
• phonics
• grammar
• vocabulary
• reading comprehension
• writing
• editing

NALC currently provides printed materials as well as Learning Upgrade, an online educational program. Other instructional aids and reading materials may be used depending on learner needs. In addition, students choose their own supplementary reading and writing materials.

Learners range from complete beginners (little to no literacy, kindergarten level) to more intermediate readers (middle – high school levels). Learners may have a variety of needs including comprehension, vocabulary, HiSET preparation, and more. NALC staff will work with students to develop a learning plan that will then be shared with tutors along with any educational materials. All learners are independent adults whose first-language is English.

You set a convenient, recurring time to meet and we will pair you with a learner whose schedule matches. Literacy tutors meet with learners about one to three hours per week. We suggest meeting once or twice a week for one hour per session. Tutors are required to commit to meet with their learner for at least three months.

We try to respect other preferences such as gender, age, and interest, where appropriate.

All NALC tutoring must occur in a public place or remotely over computer, phone, or tablet. If meeting virtually, we suggest Zoom, but you are welcome to use other platforms. Tutors and learners are both required to provide their own transportation to in-person tutoring sessions. If tutoring virtually, tutors must provide their own devices. A tutor and learner may choose to socialize outside of their tutoring sessions.

These occasions are independent of our program.

All tutors must attend training, regardless of background or experience. Staff provides ongoing support for volunteers and are available to address any issues or answer any questions you might have. If tutoring virtually, a certain level of knowledge and comfort with the technology you’ll be using is expected, but more detailed training can be provided.

Training focuses on curriculum and teaching best practices.