2025 Volunteer Literacy Tutor Conference

Call for Workshop Proposals

The Portland Literacy Council invites you to present practical, hands-on workshops to support volunteer literacy tutors in our community.  

Schools, churches, community centers, libraries, community colleges, and nonprofit organizations in the tri-county area depend on the services of volunteer literacy tutors to support both English-speaking and non-English-speaking adults in learning fundamental literacy skills. Volunteer literacy tutors ensure that everyone has access to a basic education! 

Now, YOUR  tips, coaching, and expertise are needed to help support volunteer literacy tutors have successful and rewarding experiences and real opportunities to impact their communities! 

Workshop Proposal Deadline: Monday, January 20, 2025

Please submit your proposal online:

https://forms.gle/rhwvwffjid7cfEPT9

Workshops are 1 hour 15 minutes. There are three time slots to choose from in the application form.

Presenters are needed for practical volunteer-oriented trainings on:

  • Grammar
  • Teaching vocabulary
  • Speaking & listening activities
  • Reading & writing including low literacy
  • Working with low educated learners
  • US citizenship preparation
  • Health literacy support & life skills
  • Using technology with learners
  • GED tutoring
  • Navigating cultural competence & disability

Proposal Guidelines

With our theme, Equity Through Literacy, the Portland Literacy Council invites proposals for sessions that are 75 minutes and feature practical and creative strategies to use when working with adult learners. Priority will be given to proposals that focus on clear and basic practice-based, participant-centered strategies that will help even the most novice volunteer tutor to gain confidence. Experienced tutors and mentors are encouraged to submit proposals.

  • Presentations should have specific learning objectives, be interactive, and be relevant to a diverse audience (volunteers working with adult native-born Americans as well as many immigrants who are working to master the basics of English communication).

Below are a few suggestions to consider in your proposal:

  • Cultural competency skills for tutors working with ESL (English as a Second Language) and ABE (Adult Basic Education), and learners with disabilities
  • Sample activities or lesson plans that address literacy issues but also cover the four language skills
  • Creative instructional techniques such as lessons that use drama, role-play, chants, etc. 
  • What do you do when all your teaching strategies are not working?
  • Strategies for motivating and retaining adult learners
  • Techniques that require minimal resources
  • Using technology to motivate learners

Questions? Contact Linda Rountree: linda@portlandliteracy.org

The status of proposals will be confirmed by the end of January.

Conference FAQs

When and where is the 2025 Conference?

   Saturday, March 22, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, at the PCC Southeast Center Campus

Is there a conference program that describes the workshops?

   Yes schedule will be posted in February, 2025.

How do I register?  

   Registration will open in February, 2025.

What does it cost to attend?

   The $50 fee covers conference admission and lunch, as well as gives you access to workshop recordings. Scholarships are available, details to follow.

  What if I cannot attend the entire day or if I only want to view the recordings?

   The $50 registration fee allows you to attend any sessions you wish and view any of the recordings; sorry no discounts.

See you at the Conference!

Participant comments from past Tutor Conferences:

“I will use this information in all my classes.”

“Lively, engrossing”

“This was my first conference and I learned so much! I’ll be back.”

“Great diversity of subjects with passionate speakers.”

“The day went very quickly. Each class was wonderfully helpful.”