Volunteer English-language Tutor

Become an Adult Literacy Volunteer

As a volunteer tutor with our Adult Literacy Program, you help adults build confidence in their English reading, writing, and communication skills. No prior teaching or foreign‑language experience is required.

• Help learners navigate their community by understanding a new language.
• Build confidence in everyday communication.
• Open up better job opportunities and workplace success.
• Support children’s education.
• Encourage independence and a sense of belonging.

• We provide training, resources, and ongoing support.
• Flexible scheduling fits your life.
• Patience, empathy, and a willingness to learn are the only prerequisites.

Adult literacy volunteering is deeply meaningful. Every milestone—reading a first paragraph, making a confident phone call, or completing an important form—represents a life‑changing step forward.

• At least 21 years old and live in or around DuPage County.
• Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Speak, read, write, and understand English at native proficiency.
• Be sensitive to adult learners and other cultures.
• Be dependable, friendly, optimistic, and respectful of confidentiality.

• 45‑minute Meet & Greet session.
• 15 hours of tutor training.
• Meet up to 2 hours each week for a minimum of six months.
• Attend at least two in‑service professional‑development workshops each year.

• Meet weekly with your learner promptly.
• Prepare lessons that meet learner goals and life‑skill needs.
• Attend assessment meetings after every 35 hours of tutoring.
• Submit volunteer hours online quarterly.
• Contact program staff for support whenever needed.

• Tutor/learner pairs meet in public locations, usually a local library.
• Tutors and volunteers must complete a background check.

Register for a Meet & Greet Zoom presentation to learn more: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-orientation