Training New Tutor Trainers

Quality tutor training is at the heart of an effective volunteer literacy program.  Tutors must have the skills and confidence to tutor.  They get these skills through an initial workshop followed by regular in-service, one-on-one help from experienced tutors,their program manager and more.

Every program needs several tutor trainers.  Ideally you should have at least 2 or more who are part of your paid or volunteer staff.  This allows you to provide tutor workshops based on demand rather than waiting for trainers to come from outside your community.

The Florida Literacy Coalition makes it easier for you to add new trainers.  They provide a train the trainer workshop every year which kicks off at the Florida Literacy Conference.  This year the first session is on May 4 in Captiva, followed by an online session on May 13 and an additional workshop in Orlando on May 21 & 22.  The session only costs $25 and travel funding is available.  You must be nominated by your program by March 19 to participate.  Go to the Coalition's web site to learn more and get the application.

For more ideas on providing tutor in service.  Do a search on this blog using the word, in service.
Sandy Newell, President of VALF
literacyflorida@hotmail.com

ALA Award Winning Childrens' Books

John Newbery Medal for most outstanding contribution to children’s literature
“When You Reach Me,” written by Rebecca Stead, is the 2010 Newbery Medal winner.

Randolph Caldecott Medal for most distinguished American picture book for children
“The Lion & the Mouse,” illustrated and written by Jerry Pinkney, is the 2010 Caldecott Medal winner.

Is your adult learner a parent,share this award winning picture book with him/her to liven up your lesson and introduce your student to good literature.

Free Webinar on Library Partnerships

The California State Library is sponsoring a free webinar on Jan. 26 on library partnerships.  It is from the library perspective...not literacy, but could give volunteer literacy programs an understanding of how libraries work and issues related to building partnerships. You don't have to register.  Put it on your calendar and go to
http://infopeople.org/training/webcasts/webcast_data/364/index.html  at the time of the session.
Sandy Newell,
President
VALF