Become a Tutor
Welcome to the Tutor/Instructor page!
Current Tutors/Instructors log-in click here.
The Literacy Council of Sarasota welcomes, values, and relies on the contributions of volunteers at all levels of our organization. Our dedicated and compassionate volunteers work with the support of paid staff to raise awareness of the importance of adult literacy, offer hands-on teaching through one-on-one and small group instruction and support to adults, and offer multiple options focused on adult learner needs and life demands. Our volunteers work to improve English literacy in our community and open doors to greater employment, and opportunities for upward mobility in your community.
Tutor training is offered in an ‘express’ mode of 9 hours in one week where prospective tutors get the essentials of what they need to begin tutoring.
The full training course is 18 hours over 4 days and provides more in-depth information to new tutors.
In-service training is made available every quarter beginning in 2025 for all tutors who want to learn more resources or gain a refresh.
Cost: There is a $25.00 materials fee for the initial tutor training (both full and express) to help offset the cost of the training materials you receive. There is no fee for the in-service training.
Volunteers Needed: Teaching English as a Second Language to Adults
Volunteer Opportunity: Work with our educated, resilient, self-directed, and motivated, adults by helping them to learn English as a second language so they may navigate life in the United States and continue on their path to achieve educational and employment goals.
Training: In-person training for this volunteer opportunity is provided.
Qualities to Bring with You:
o Passion to help adult education & language learners achieve their educational, career goals, and become thriving, contributing members of our community.
o Strong verbal communication skills
o Resourcefulness
o Motivator, supporter, and cheerleader
Time Commitment: Between 2 to 4 hours per week for a minimum of 4 months. May work with up to 2 adult learners at a time depending on their individual needs.
Other: Ideal volunteer opportunity for individuals who are looking to make a positive impact on adult learners in our community. Individuals with flexible schedules, working from home, recently retired, and college students looking for volunteer hours in the human services or adult education fields.
Call Today! Call or email Susan Bergstrom, Program Director, at 941-955-0421 or sbergstrom@sarasotaliteracy.org. We’re happy to answer any questions you have.
Interested in more information? Please call or email Susan Bergstrom, Program Director, at 941-955-0421 or sbergstrom@sarasotaliteracy.org.
How do you become a tutor? It’s simple:
- There is a $25.00 materials fee to help offset the cost of materials provided for the training.
- Once trained, you select an adult learner with whom you’ll meet with for a minimum of two hours per week.
- A tutor and learner pick the best day and time of the week to meet based on their respective schedules.
- Tutors and learners typically meet in a library, community center, or another public place that is convenient to both of them.
- Tutors receive ongoing support from LCS staff, who are always available to answer questions, provide resources, troubleshoot, etc.
- Questions? Please contact Susan Bergstrom, Program Director, at 941-955-0421, or email sbergstrom@sarasotaliteracy.org.
