SAVE THE DATE 2025

With our theme, Equity Through Literacy, the 2025 conference will feature practical and creative strategies to use when working with adult learners.

ENGAGING WORKSHOPS

Engaging Workshops

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a diverse range of workshops. From lesson planning strategies to cultural considerations, each session provided valuable insights and practical tools to enhance tutoring practices.

STUDENT SPEAKERS

Student Speakers

One of the most powerful moments of the day from past conference is hearing from student speakers during the lunchtime program. Our globally diverse speakers share their personal journeys and experiences in acquiring English literacy. Their stories are deeply moving and serve as a reminder of the profound impact literacy has on individuals’ lives.

CONNECTING

CONNECTION

Attendees connect with fellow tutors, community partners, and adult learners. These interactions facilitate meaningful exchanges of ideas, success stories, and best practices, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among participants.

CELEBRATING IMPACT

CELEBRATING IMPACT

Throughout the day, we celebrate the incredible impact of volunteer tutors in promoting literacy and equity in our community. Your dedication and commitment to empowering adult learners are truly commendable, and we are grateful for the invaluable contributions you make every day.

Stay Connected

Let’s keep exchanging expertise! Connect with us on social media @portlandliteracy to share your insights, experiences, and resources related to tutoring and literacy. Together, we can make a difference.

Thank You

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all attendees, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the conference. Your support and dedication are deeply appreciated, and we look forward to continuing our collective efforts to promote literacy and equity in our community.

Our sponsors help bring the conference to life. Thank you to:

PLC Tutor Conference
Equity through Literacy Archive

2024

Equity Through Literacy 2024

Equity Through Literacy 2024 left us energized and inspired. The 2024 tutor conference was held on Saturday, May 11th – an incredible day filled with learning, networking, and collaboration aimed at driving meaningful impact in our community.

Thank you to our 2024 sponsors!

Portland Community College

OnPoint Credit Union

Northwest Federal Credit Union

Les Schwab Tire Centers

2023

Equity Through Literacy 2023

Thanks to our tutors, speakers, and sponsors, Equity Through Literacy 2023 was a tremendous success. The conference provided a platform for tutors to share their experiences, learn from one another, and gain valuable insights and knowledge to help them better serve their learners. Attendees participated in workshops and discussions; gaining tools and inspiration to continue making a positive impact in the lives of our learners. A standout highlight from this year’s conference was our lunch program featuring student speakers sharing their unique learning journeys. Their individual stories grounded attendees in the importance of our collaborative work, and inspired our continued focus on empowerment through literacy. 

Equity through Literacy will return Saturday, May 11 2024. See you there. 

Thank you to our 2023 sponsors!

Portland Community College

OnPoint Credit Union

Northwest Federal Credit Union

Les Schwab Tire Centers

2021

The PLC was very pleased to convene our 2021 Volunteer Tutor Conference via Zoom on April 9 and 10.   The Conference was a big success, with 115 registered participants and 14 presentations over
two days. Watch videos of the Conference sessions here on PLC’s YouTube channel.

2021 VLTC Day 1 Selfie - part 1 2021 VLTC Day 1 Selfie - part 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

Participant comments from the 2021 Tutor Conference:

“It is always good to meet with others doing similar work and advocating for adult ESOL, basic skills and GED learners. It is very inspiring.”

“Grrrrrreat!”

“Thank you for putting this together. It was a terrific opportunity for us all.”

“Very helpful: both the presentations and the connections made with others in attendance.”

“Wonderful. It will be very helpful to me as a tutor.”

Thanks to these inspired and inspiring Presenters and Moderators!

  • Linda Bonder, Beaverton Literacy Council
  • Jennifer Rueda, Susan Caisse and Kit Emen-Hesslink, Clackamas Community College
  • Michelle Culley, Clackamas Community College
  • Heidi Dryden, Portland ESL Network
  • Gracie Freeman, Intercambio
  • Patrick McDade, People*Places*Things
  • Virginia Nelson: TORUS, TIELLA, and more
  • Julie Hiefield, Monica Goldner, Rita Jacobson, and Cris Skinner: Language & Literacy Fund and the RSW Group
  • Colleen Latimer, GED Educator, Multnomah County Library
  • Barbara Williams, Portland Literacy Council, SOAR, Portland ESL Network, and more
  • Benjamin Wilton, with Shari Sokel, MA TESOL Program, Portland State University

Thanks to Linda Bonder and the Beaverton Literacy Council for their partnership in presenting this Conference.

Thanks to the Portland Literacy Council board members who brought us this Conference!

  • Patrick Geoghegan, Conference Committee Chair
  • Kris Magaurn
  • Peggy Murphy
  • Linda Rountree
  • Barbara Torrey-Quiggle
  • Cheryl Thoen
  • Barbara Williams

2019

Watch this video of our 2019 Conference