Tutor

LVCC tutors bring optimism, enthusiasm, positive energy, and new opportunities for students that make profound changes in their lives by learning English.

REQUIREMENTS

No previous teaching experience is required
Must be a high school graduate
No need to speak a foreign language – just English
Must pass a background check
A one-time fee of $30 to cover cost of books and materials required

HOW IT WORKS

Tutors receive 6 hours of ESOL training to teach English to non-native speakers
Tutors are matched with a student or group of students
Students and tutors meet in a public location once or twice a week for an hour at mutually convenient times

CHOOSE FROM TWO PROGRAMS

Adult Program
Family Literacy Program

You can even do both if you have the time!

Tutor Stories

Beata Koperdowski

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Beata's Story

Beatrice

People get involved for different reasons. Often it is because something in their lives triggers the yearning to be part of something bigger than themselves. I was no exception. The experience as a volunteer at LVCC has been nothing but rewarding. To instill the love of reading and learning through fun and engaging activities makes a great difference for the children and their families.

Your background doesn’t matter. The desire to help is what counts. The orientation provided to the tutors is not only extensive but also truly helpful.

It is a gratifying experience just knowing that I am helping.

BILL WICKHAM

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Bill's Story

Bill Wickham

I have been a level 2 classroom tutor at LVCC for about three years and have found that the classroom experience with multiple students to be much more than learning English. My students are a diverse lot. Not only do they come from many different countries and cultures, but they also represent a wide diversity of education levels, occupations, ages, religions, etc. This not only leads to lively and fun conversations, but helps us all to break down cultural barriers and prejudices. Hopefully, my class is not only helping my students to improve their English and their chances for success in our community, but also to bring us all a little closer together.

Elaine Fyffe

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Elaine's Story

Elaine Fyffe

As a retired elementary school teacher, I thought it would be interesting to teach adults who recognized the importance of learning English, but I was concerned about my effectiveness because I don’t speak any language but English. It turns out that speaking English is the only qualification.

For the past ten years, I have worked with students who were professionals in their home countries, learning English to pursue their careers here, as well as mothers who want to learn English to set a good example for their children and encourage them to do their best in school. I enjoy having special celebrations for students who become United States citizens.

What do I get out of this, besides the satisfaction that I have helped people become successful contributing members of our community? I get the reward of knowing I am truly appreciated. At the end of every session, sometimes with a hug, my students always say, “Thank you, thank you for helping me.” I always leave in a good mood.

Gil Desroches

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Gil's Story

I volunteered as a tutor for both the Family and Adult Programs in the Fall of 2017. Tutoring non-English speaking immigrants quickly became a joy. Their shy enthusiasm and eagerness to learn to write and speak English energized me. An immigrant myself, I did not speak or understood English when I flew from Haiti to New York in 1970. I appreciate their drive to learn a new language in order to better assimilate and make something of themselves in their adopted country. Observing their incremental progress, their rise in confidence and demonstrated exuberance each time they arrive and exit class week after week, my continued commitment and dedication to LVCC is assured for the foreseeable future!

Richard Levy

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Rick's Story

I moved down to SW Florida from New York City in 2011 after my retirement from a 42 year career with New York Parole and Probation. I was looking for something to do as a volunteer – something completely different from my previous work experience. I was fortunate to find Literacy Volunteers of Collier County. After training I was asked to teach an evening conversation class and I’ve been doing so for the past several years. I can honestly say that this has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have met the most interesting people from all over the world and it’s been amazing to watch them grow in their English proficiency. I hope to continue to teach and to learn from them for a long time.

Sandy Cranshaw

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Sandy's Story

After retiring from teaching after 38 years, I discovered Literacy Volunteers of Collier County. I had not worked with elementary school or Pre-K children before, but this was a path that led me to sharing the love of reading with parents and their children that do not necessarily speak English. I get back much more than I give. When I am reading a book and I see the sparkle in their eyes, I realize that I have touched their mind and instilled the love of a good book. What a magical moment for the child, their parents and for me!