Gazette Staff

STEVENS POINT — The Portage County Literacy Council (PCLC) is looking for additional volunteers to tutor adults in our community and is excited to announce an upcoming training opportunity with Wisconsin Literacy.

Wisconsin Literacy will present an English Forward training on Friday, Nov. 30, 5pm-9pm, and Saturday, December 1, 9pm-5pm, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2000 Roosevelt Drive, Plover. The training includes how to use the English Forward framework and extensive, hands-on practice of teaching strategies for working with immigrants and refugees who are learning English.

The English Forward training is free for new and ongoing tutors with the Portage County Literacy Council, which is a member of Wisconsin Literacy. Learners choose to come to PCLC for services and are motivated to learn. Tutors are matched with learners and meet one-on-one on a weekly basis to provide individualized assistance based on the learners’ language level and life goals. This helps adults achieve more at work, with family, and in their everyday lives. Common learner goals include improving English to understand more at work, read to their child, apply for citizenship, or participate in the community.

Steve Faber has been a tutor for over a year. He helps his learner improve his English for work and in social situations.

“Going in, I knew I would like it, but now I look forward to it.” said Faber. “Our relationship…it’s a friendship.”

Steve enjoys the challenge and personal growth of tutoring.

“I know this is not something I have to do by myself. [PCLC] provide training, materials and a chance to meet other tutors at roundtables.”

If you are interested in becoming a PCLC tutor and attending this training, please contact PCLC at 715-345-5341 or [email protected] for an application and orientation.