Volunteer Tutors

WALP Logo WAVERLEY ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM INC.A0003216A

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VOLUNTEER TUTOR TRAINING PROGRAM

Waverley Adult Literacy Program is always looking for volunteer tutors.

This is an extremely rewarding experience and one that could make a major impact to another individual's life.

W.A.L.P. provides free training for suitable community spirited people.

On completion of the course you will have a choice of positions. You may choose to take on a student . You may choose to assist in a classroom or you may choose to work with another volunteer in a small conversation group.

There are a number of other options also available and you will learn of these during training.

SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Question:	Am I too old to take on tutoring?
Answer:	Most definitely NOT! Many of our best tutors are retired folk looking for a new challenge.

Question:	How much time is required of me each week?
Answer:	We ask that you spend around two hours per week with your student. This is flexible and varies depending on the student's needs and the time that you have available.

Question:	How long is the training course?
Answer:	Training begins in April and continues throughout term two. You will need to set aside two hours per week to attend the classes. We are also offering potential tutors the opportunity to sit-in on existing classes to get a feel for what will be required of them.

Question:	I have never taught before - will I be accepted for training?
Answer:	Most folk who apply for training are accepted, however not all complete the course. This is usually due to the tutor realizing that this is not quite right for them. A teaching background or tutoring background is not required. More importantly is an empathy with the adult learner. Potential tutors must also possess a great deal of patience as progress can sometimes be very slow.

Question:	What happens during the training?
Answer:	We are not going to teach you anything that you probably do not already know. What we aim to do during training is to raise your awareness of your own strategies used for reading and writing. For example if you did not know how to spell a particular word perhaps you would use a dictionary or maybe sound out the word or break the word into syllables. You may use one or all of these methods, but our students may never have been made aware of how to use a dictionary, how to sound letters, or break a word into parts.
Question:	What do I do next?
Answer:	Step 1: If you are interested in knowing more then please contact our Co-ordinator for an interview by phoning (03) 9807 2322 or e-mail us by clicking here Step 2: You will then be asked if you would like to join one of our classes during term 1 as an observer or to assist (you will not be required to teach as all classes are conducted by fully trained teachers) Step 3: During term one you will receive an outline of the training course to be conducted during term 2. This course runs for 2 hours per week for 10 weeks. Step 4: On completion of the course you will be assigned a student. At this point you will be given all the necessary assistance in order for you to get a good and confident start with your student.

On-going training is provided in the form of Tutor Meetings each term where you have the opportunity to meet other tutors to exchange ideas. Tutor workshops to update your knowledge and skills are also a major part of our work. Tutor newsletters each term and there is open door Co-ordinator assistance whenever you require any extra support. We also provide a wonderful library of up to date Adult Education books and a good supply of resource material.

JUDY'S STORY

GET A LIFE, GIVE A LIFE.

"Judy! I've matched you to a student!" The glee in Gloria's voice sent my heart into my stomach. "When can you come and meet her?"

"When would be convenient for you?" I stammered, hoping to buy time.

"Oh, it's not life or death...are you free this afternoon?"

The thought of "not life or death" raced through my brain to grab my files of real volunteers - firefighters, state emergency service workers - the people who throw a lifeline to others, no matter who or what they are. I'm no firefighter. I have a family that takes most of my time, and to be at the beck and call of emergencies sounded like a short path to a long nervous breakdown. If any lifelines were to be thrown, it would be to me, not from me.

The grand old age of, well, we won't be specific, had left me wondering what the world would find when I hopped off. Countless books on self-help and vocational analysis had seen me decide I needed a life, not a lifestyle. One American author, with a practical bent, said "go volunteer in the fields you are interested in, and you'll be surprised at how getting out there, and giving of what you love, will clarify your aims." I love language. I rang the number for volunteer literacy tutors in my local paper. I didn't expect that I could make much of a difference with so little training, but at least I would be working with something I cared about. And could still be on the receiving end of those lifelines.

Gloria, the Adult Literacy Program Coordinator, was waiting for an answer.

"Um, tomorrow would be a little easier," I replied, hoping for time to make myself presentable.

"Good. I thought you'd say that, so we'll see you in the morning then," came the cheerful reply. "Don't worry about it. Just come as you are. I'm sure you'll get along, but if it doesn't suit, I've plenty more!" Gloria's directness was hard to resist. As the Coordinator, she had led many of the training sessions, and now felt that there was someone out there that I could help. But I still couldn't see me as a firefighter.

The next morning I marvelled at the courage of the young woman who sat with me. She had sought out the Adult Literacy Program as she grappled with the problems of single-motherhood to two young boys who were rapidly outstripping her limited education. Far from being judgmental of me, she was anxious that I should not feel my time would be wasted. We began sessions that week. One day, she came in smiling, with a homemade chocolate cake for me. It was the very first time she had been able to cook anything using a recipe.

When those sessions ended, because the young woman moved interstate, I wondered how long it would be before Gloria found someone else I could help. I hoped for a little time to organise my chaotic life, but another cheery phone call came the same week.

"I've someone I'd like you to meet. Would tomorrow suit you?" Gloria knew me even better now.

"That'll be OK, but do I have to start straight away?"

"Oh no, anytime you're ready will be fine. There's no rush. He's only been waiting a term."

That told me I definitely wasn't a firefighter, not when someone had to wait that long. Anyone who hadn't been involved in the program would have thought her sarcastic. I knew the length of the tutor waiting lists.

Sessions began in earnest when the term started, and I lost myself in exploring someone else's grasp of the language I took for granted. The young man, like many others, had paid to attend classes in English, but only a volunteer could give him the extra time needed to make the difference between attending and understanding. He needed better language skills to get a job, and had the added motivation of a daughter showing the same learning difficulties. But the sessions were no drag, as this man is a gifted raconteur.

His experiences of the world became the source, after months of painstaking work, of an award-winning story. Gloria's excitement put the ceiling in danger. News like this creates a stimulus that cannot be bought, coaxed or bullied into being.

As the sessions continued, he gained self-confidence, and challenged the more opinionated in his classes. I began to see that my few hours each week could help someone make life - and attitude - changes. The end of the year saw order creeping into my own life through making a commitment that helped sort out someone else's. This was a different type of fire fighting.

Firefighting is about solving a problem. Preaching to a fire has no effect. Throwing money at a fire won't put it out. Punishing a fire will not teach it a lesson. Only applying time, resources and people in an intelligent manner will solve the problem. I am still no firefighter, but I could see myself now as a resource. I still might need a lifeline thrown to me some days, but I am now a lifeline thrown to others, no matter who or what they are. The good bit is that I am a lifeline by sharing my love of language. It is firefighting with the best of equipment!

Now I have a life, and it includes so much of the things I love doing and the people who share my interests that I have no need for vocational analysis or self help books. I've become a lifeline, and no longer worry about trying to throw one or even about catching them myself. It's much more fun to be one. Get a life, give a life!

HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US. WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR ENQUIRY.

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This Page Last Updated Saturday, 20 January 2007