FAQs

Listed below are answers to commonly asked questions regarding our program.

What is the Adult Literacy League (ALL)?
It is an independent nonprofit organization, an accredited affiliate 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. ALL serves Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties.

What programs are offered by ALL?
ALL offers basic literacy instruction to both native speakers of English, and those for whom English is not a first language. Instruction is provided by trained volunteer tutors in either small group settings, or one-to-one. ALL also offers family literacy services in Orange county in partnership with Head Start and Community Health Centers.

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 10 hours of basic training is required before being assigned to a student.

Do I need previous teaching experience?
No. ALL 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 or a small group of students by a coordinator, taking into account the needs, skills, goals and location of the student(s) and tutor(s). Time and overall availability are also factors considered.

Where does tutoring take place?
Tutoring is conducted at numerous locations throughout Central Florida approved by ALL. A list of approved sites is provided at tutor training and when students enroll. These include library locations, churches, community rooms, and other mutually agreed upon, neutral, safe sites.

How often do tutors meet with their students?
Tutors and students are asked to meet once a week for 1 to 2 hours at a minimum. Twice a week is preferred.

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?
We ask volunteers to consider a voluntary, tax-deductible contribution to ALL to defray the cost of training and materials (approximately $35 / trainee). In addition, we invite both students and tutors to pay for their books, materials, and other curriculum if they can do so. It is important to remember that no one is ever denied the opportunity to learn or to volunteer because of the costs involved. Scholarships are available for both students and tutors, and all curriculum is purchased on an entirely voluntary basis.

What resources are available to assist me with my tutoring?
The ALL Program Director is available Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 407-422-1540. We also have a group of experienced tutor support volunteers and all tutors are assigned a representative from this great committee when they are matched with a student. We hold regular in-service continuing tutor education opportunities, annual seminars, and provide opportunities for volunteers to attend local, state and national literacy conferences. ALL has both a lending library, and extensive curriculum and materials offered for sale/scholarship. To order materials go to "order curriculum materials" on the navigation bar of this web site.

How do I track my student’s progress?
The monthly tutor report is located on this website. We ask that you send in a monthly report and this can be done via the website, faxed to 407-422-1529, or sent through the mail. If you have questions about whether or not your student is progressing appropriately, remember your tutor support committee member and the ALL staff. All contact information is on this web site.

Are there national or regional literacy programs?
Yes. Information on national and regional literacy programs can be located at the National Institute for Literacy and The Florida Literacy Coalition.