STAR Volunteer Program

Did You Know? 

• 47% of adult Americans read and write so poorly that they are unable to function effectively in the workplace or society. (U.S. Dept. of Education, 1993) 

• Nearly 4 million Illinois residents have low scores in performing reading and math tasks, keeping them from using printed and written information to function effectively in today's society. (Illinois Secretary of State Literacy Office, 2007) 

This is a Local Problem! 
In McLean County, 10,172 residents over the age of 16 (and no longer in school) do not have a high school diploma. Some residents with a high school diploma lack the basic skills necessary to meet the demands of today's workplace. Foreign born residents need to improve their English language skills to succeed. Adults with limited skills are more likely to live in poverty, draining local resources to provide benefits and services. Families aren't able to reach their goals and dreams. 

As a STAR Volunteer, You CAN: 

• Help adults improve their reading and writing skills or learn English as a second language. 

• Tutor individuals or small groups in a classroom under the direction of a certified teacher. 

• Work days or evenings, as little as 2.5 hours per week or as many hours as convenient. 

To Be a STAR Volunteer... 

• You must love to read, like people, be positive, patient, flexible, and reliable. 

• No previous formal training in the teaching of reading is necessary. 

• You must be at least 18 years old. 

• You must attend one of the new tutor training workshops which are held regularly throughout the year. 

• You are encouraged to attend periodic tutor workshops designed to enhance and improve your tutoring skills. 

VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Reading or English as a Second Language Tutor 
Immediate Supervisor: Lead classroom teacher or literacy coordinator 
Purpose: To help someone 16 years of age or older learn to read or speak English and widen his/her horizons through one-on-one or small group tutoring 
Time Requirements: 2 1/2 hours per week for a minimum of one semester 
Duties and Responsibilities: 

• attend the required tutor training sessions, including classroom observation 

• work two class periods with an experienced tutor 

• attend in-service workshops when possible 

• meet with an adult learner on a regular basis 
  (please notify the lead teacher or the literacy office when you need to be absent)

• if tutoring in a one-on-one situation outside the classroom, keep track of hours and submit them to the literacy office at the end of each month 

• notify the lead teacher or the literacy office when you are no longer interested in continuing as a volunteer 

• follow any course of instruction outlined by the lead teacher or the literacy coordinator 

Characteristics of a Good Tutor: 

• flexible; willing to "shift gears" as the situation requires 

• supportive and helpful 

• sensitive to the needs and differences of adult learners 

• provides positive reinforcement in learning situation 

• patient and enthusiastic 

• willing to reinforce a concept in a variety of ways to facilitate individual learning 

• prompt 

• reliable 

• maintains a friendly, professional relationship with the learner 

• willing to help the adult learner gain independence and confidence in his/her ability to learn 

STAR VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION
To become a STAR Volunteer, you must first submit an application to the STAR Literacy Coordinator.

Call (309) 888-9884 for more information regarding the application and training opportunities.

STAR Literacy Coordinator
Charlotte Cooney
905 N. Main, Suite #2 
Normal, IL 61761 
309.888.9884