The Adult Literacy Center at Drake University is seeking volunteers eager to change the lives of local adults by helping them achieve basic literacy (reading, writing, and/or speaking) skills. A tutor training will be held on Friday, Oct. 17 and Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Drake University School of Education, 3206 University Ave.
Volunteers will learn about characteristics of adults who lack literacy skills, the potential causes for adult illiteracy, and skills for delivering multisensory reading instruction.
“Adult literacy volunteers have the opportunity to positively impact the life of an adult,” says Anne Murr, coordinator of the Adult Literacy Center. “Volunteers act both as educators and mentors as well as encouragers.”
The adults enrolled are mainly English speakers who attended school through at least 10th grade, but were unable to learn to read through traditional instruction. Reading skills range from pre-reading to approximately fourth grade. Students are eager to learn so they can improve their job, school, and home responsibilities.
Volunteers must attend both training sessions. The session on Oct. 17 is from 5–8 p.m., and the session on Oct. 18 is from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Registration is required and can be completed by contacting Anne Murr at anne.murr@drake.edu or 515-271-3982.
About the Adult Literacy Center
The goal of the Adult Literacy Center is to improve literacy, resulting in enhanced self-esteem, daily living, and life-long learning. Utilizing volunteers, the DUALC improves the quality of adults’ lives by helping them learn to read, write and comprehend.
The Adult Literacy Center has been part of the Drake University School of Education since 1976. The Center is staffed by volunteers from the Drake and greater Des Moines communities who are dedicated to literacy and community outreach.