Volunteering | English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Tutoring Program

The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Tutoring Program is a one-on-one program for adults who need help with speaking and understanding English, as well as reading and writing. Students enrolled in this program represent over 73 countries from all regions of the world. They often have even lower-level English skills than those in classroom-based programs. Each student is taught by a volunteer tutor, who provides the student with specialized instruction, allowing the student to progress at his or her own pace. The instruction focuses on each student's individual learning goals.



This program provides a wonderful volunteer opportunity for people who want to teach an adult student individually rather than in a group situation. Each tutor is matched with one student to whom the tutor provides individualized instruction, aimed at helping the student achieve his or her own learning goals. Each pair of tutors and students meets once or twice a week for approximately an hour and a half each session. Volunteers in the tutoring programs have considerable flexibility, since each tutor/student pair sets its own schedule and meets at any public place, such as a library or community center, that is convenient to both members.



We request our tutors to work with their students for at least nine months. Many tutors, however, stay with the program much longer and develop long-term relationships with their students. These relationships are extremely rewarding to the tutors as well as to their students. Improvements in student self-confidence are often apparent from the start, and our tutors experience great satisfaction from helping their students achieve their goals and improve their lives.

Tutors do not need to know a foreign language or to have any prior experience in education. They need only a desire to assist an adult to read, write, or speak English. Continued support is provided through regularly scheduled in-services, a quarterly newsletter, and individual assistance by Literary Council of Norther Virginia (LCNV) staff and long-term volunteers. The Literacy Council also maintains a resource library which includes a wide range of supplemental materials.



The Council provides its tutors with all of the initial training they need through a mandatory training workshop which extends over three consecutive Saturdays. The training takes place four times a year. There is a $40 registration fee, which partially covers the cost of the books the tutors receive. Upon completion of their training, volunteers receive certification from the Literacy Council.