Tutor FAQs
What is the Literacy Council of Benton County (LCBC)?
It is an independent, non-profit organization, a member of ProLiteracy America, and governed by a volunteer board of directors. The mission is to affect community-wide change by improving individual literacy skills and increasing literacy awareness. LCBC serves all communities in Benton County, Arkansas.
What programs are offered by LCBC?
What is required to be a tutor?
Tutors must be at least 18 years of age, and possess the ability to read and speak English fluently. Tutor training is provided for volunteer tutors and the completion of at least two hours of basic training is required before being assigned to a student.
Do I need previous teaching experience?
No. LCBC will provide you with training and support.
Should a tutor know a language other than English?
Knowledge of a language other than English is not necessary.
How are tutoring assignments made?
The tutor is matched with a student based on mutually agreeable times of the day/week to meet.
Where does tutoring take place?
Tutoring is conducted at several locations throughout Benton County approved by LCBC. A list of approved sites is provided at tutor training and when students enroll.
How often do tutors meet with their students?
Ideally, twice a week for 1.5 hours each, yet tutoring schedules are very flexible.
Is a tutor expected to teach a certain length of time?
Tutors and students, too, are asked to make a one year commitment.
Is there a cost for the training or tutoring?
No. All materials required for tutoring are provided by LCBC for free.
What resources are available to assist me with my tutoring?
The LCBC Literacy Coordinator is available. We hold tutor roundtables throughout the year. LCBC has both a lending library, and extensive curriculum and materials offered for use. Tutor Tips and Online Resources are available here on the website.
How do I track my student’s progress?
Tutors report their class hours to LCBC by Friday of each week. Tutors also meet quarterly with the Literacy coordinator to update their students’ progress.
Are there national or regional literacy programs?
Yes. Information on national and regional literacy programs can be found at arkansasliteracy.org and ProLiteracy.org.
It is an independent, non-profit organization, a member of ProLiteracy America, and governed by a volunteer board of directors. The mission is to affect community-wide change by improving individual literacy skills and increasing literacy awareness. LCBC serves all communities in Benton County, Arkansas.
What programs are offered by LCBC?
- Adult Basic Literacy (ABL) - a program of instruction designed for adults who lack competence in reading, writing, speaking at a level necessary to function in society.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) - a program of instruction designed to help adults with limited English speaking skills achieve competence in the English Language.
- Training - LCBC trains tutors by with a 2 hour session. You do not need to know the student's first language to teach ESL.
- Volunteers - LCBC is also about volunteers. We believe that volunteers bring a personal caring for the adult literacy cause that allows them to be especially effective both as tutors, board members, committee members and as community leaders.
What is required to be a tutor?
Tutors must be at least 18 years of age, and possess the ability to read and speak English fluently. Tutor training is provided for volunteer tutors and the completion of at least two hours of basic training is required before being assigned to a student.
Do I need previous teaching experience?
No. LCBC will provide you with training and support.
Should a tutor know a language other than English?
Knowledge of a language other than English is not necessary.
How are tutoring assignments made?
The tutor is matched with a student based on mutually agreeable times of the day/week to meet.
Where does tutoring take place?
Tutoring is conducted at several locations throughout Benton County approved by LCBC. A list of approved sites is provided at tutor training and when students enroll.
How often do tutors meet with their students?
Ideally, twice a week for 1.5 hours each, yet tutoring schedules are very flexible.
Is a tutor expected to teach a certain length of time?
Tutors and students, too, are asked to make a one year commitment.
Is there a cost for the training or tutoring?
No. All materials required for tutoring are provided by LCBC for free.
What resources are available to assist me with my tutoring?
The LCBC Literacy Coordinator is available. We hold tutor roundtables throughout the year. LCBC has both a lending library, and extensive curriculum and materials offered for use. Tutor Tips and Online Resources are available here on the website.
How do I track my student’s progress?
Tutors report their class hours to LCBC by Friday of each week. Tutors also meet quarterly with the Literacy coordinator to update their students’ progress.
Are there national or regional literacy programs?
Yes. Information on national and regional literacy programs can be found at arkansasliteracy.org and ProLiteracy.org.
Back to: Volunteers