These words are from a current Partners in Reading tutor who is trying to encourage her neighbors to take a chance and become a volunteer. Would you like to do that too?

The Partners in Reading program of the San Jose Public Library is having a tutor shortage.

They currently have over 25 learners waiting and the list keeps growing.

A tutor training is scheduled for mid-July but they are not expecting nearly enough tutors to go around.

This is an amazing program that trains volunteer tutors to help adults learn to read.
Can you imagine

• not being able to read job notices, let alone fill out a job application?
• not being able to take the driving test to get a driver license?
• not being able to read bedtime stories to your children or grandchildren?

In 3 hours a week for six months (or more), you can help change someone's life.

You'll have an evening of orientation and two days of training, where you will learn and practice recommended teaching methods from expert teachers. You will learn about the tutoring experience, so you will be well-prepared when you meet your learner.

What kinds of people seek help from this adult literacy program?

• a refugee who was a teacher in her country. Her spoken English is adequate, but she needs to improve her vocabulary to return to teaching
• a retiree who wants to pass her GED
• an SJ native who wants to be more confident writing emails and staying current with his job skills, to help make sure he keeps his job
• adult dyslexics who were in school before support systems for learning disabilities were in place

You would meet with your learner at the King Library or a branch library. Study rooms can be reserved for privacy at a time convenient for you and your learner.

This can be a fantastic experience for you, as you share your love of words and reading, and find out what your learner can teach you! Also, if you prefer, you can tutor a small group of learners who are at similar levels working on the same goals.

If this opportunity sounds interesting to you, see http://sjpl.org/partutor - to sign up, contact  (408) 808-2361 or email par.sjpl@sjlibrary.org.

Don't delay, the next training session begins July 18th, 2012!!