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Begin your journey as a volunteer literacy tutor with PLC.

Literacy changes lives. You can make an impact supporting low-literacy adults in Oregon. 

We regularly offer online training classes for new tutors, including Basic Tutor Training, GED Tutor Training, and useful continuing education-oriented Awesome Tutor Workshops.

Be the first to know about upcoming tutor workshops and volunteer opportunities, subscribe to our LiteracyLinks newsletter.

All experience levels welcome – no tutoring background required.

As a volunteer tutor, you can expect:

  • Virtual or in-person tutoring sessions with adults learning the English language or preparing for their GED exams and Citizenship tests.
  • High-quality virtual or in-person training from literacy professionals.
  • In-classroom, group, or one-on-one tutoring sessions.

NOW OPEN!

The Volunteer Literacy Tutor Xchange (VLTX). Created for volunteer tutors, by volunteer tutors, VLTX is your resource for ideas, insights, and inspiration. Check it out today!

Take Me To The Xchange

Tutoring for GED® Certification

Volunteer Literacy Tutors can help hard-working adults earn their GEDs.  Are you interested in taking on this challenge?

Portland Literacy Council partners with Multnomah County Library’s GED® preparation program.   Find out more...

WHERE to Find a Tutoring Placement

The PLC does not place tutors in programs.  Rather, we coordinate with local programs currently seeking volunteer tutors. To see currently available positions, please check the section below.

Use this Tutor Details form to clarify your interests and availability for volunteering as a tutor. Completing the form will help you when you contact programs about volunteer opportunities.

Programs Needing Volunteer Tutors

The Portland Literacy Council partners with the Portland ESL Network to provide a comprehensive list of area programs that need volunteers. These listings are updated several times a year and also updated when a new request for volunteers is received. Go to the Portland ESL Network’s Volunteer Opportunities tab and choose “More Details…” on each Class page to find information for volunteers.

The following programs regularly seek volunteer tutors to work with adult learners/students. Tutors can choose to work one-to-one, with a small group, or as a program assistant. To learn more about becoming a volunteer tutor for one of these agencies, or any other organization, search for them on the Portland ESL Network and contact the organization directly.

MULTNOMAH COUNTY

Midland Library

Do you want to help adults reach their learning goals? Join us at Midland Library to partner with adults learning English, basic reading skills, or those who are studying for the GED! During a 2-hour drop-in tutoring session, volunteers meet with learners individually or in small groups. Study materials will be provided.

Multnomah County Library
Adult Literacy Tutoring, Citizenship Classes and English Classes, and other opportunities for English Language Learners
Contact: Adult Literacy Coordinator: Lilia Monje, 503-577-9984; email: liliam@multco.us or mcl.adult.literacy@multco.us; www.multcolib.org

PCC, Cascade Campus
Contact: Lisa Palm  lisa.palm@pcc.edu

PCC, SE Center
Contact: Gale Czerski, gale.czerski15@pcc.edu

PCC, Sylvania Campus
Contact: Mark Palmer, mark.palmer2@pcc.edu

Learn more about becoming a volunteer tutor at PCC by visiting the Tutoring page for PCC’s Literacy Tutoring Services.

SOAR Immigration Legal Services
7931 NE Halsey St., Ste. 302, Portland
Contact: Angie Kelly, akelly@emoregon.org

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Beaverton Literacy Council
Contact: Linda Bonder – linda.bonder@gmail.com

Centro Cultural (Cornelius)

Mission Citizen

PCC, Rock Creek
Contact: Edit McDonald emcdonal@pcc.edu

Tigard Informal English Language Learning for Adults (TIELLA)
9845 SW Walnut Place, Tigard, OR 97223
Contact: Brian Wegener, spudweg@gmail.com or Rosemary Carlsen, rosemary.carlsen@gmail.com

CLACKAMAS COUNTY

Clackamas Community College (Oregon City Campus and Harmony Campus)
Contact: Michelle Culley, michellec@clackamas.edu

TORUS Transforms
Ramin Tokhi, ramin@torustransforms.org

Resources for Tutoring Online

Resources for teachers and tutors interested in using online video conferencing. Includes video tutorials and websites from experienced ESL educators.

More Resources For Tutors

A Handbook for Tutors Working with Adult ESOL Literacy Learners – created by Margi Felix-Lund, this is a comprehensive guide for volunteer tutors.

English Listening Lesson Library Online – A resource for improving English listening and speaking skills.

Portland ESL Network Website – an online resource that includes an ESL class map and ESL resource materials for students and tutors.

GED.com – The official site for the GED test.

Learn Free.Org – A resource for basic learning and education.

Literacy Now – Downloadable materials for teaching ESOL; from Tacoma Community House

Open Educational Resources – High quality, free and low-cost educational materials.

Tutor Help Center – A resource for tutoring materials and ideas.

USA Learns – A resource for basic learning and education

Adult Literacy League Resources, Orlando, FL – tutor resources including grammar; English language literacy; advanced conversation; adult basic education; computer skills and work skills; test prep for citizenship, GED; learning differences; printable worksheets and templates.