CRLC volunteers come from many different backgrounds and age groups.  We are always looking to expand our volunteer base in order to satisfy the need for educational services in the La Crosse and surrounding areas.  Most of our volunteers are literacy tutors, working one-on-one with an assigned student for a minimum of 1 hour per week.  No special experience or educational background is necessary to become a tutor.  We offer group training sessions and the opportunity to take part in online courses.

What Types Of Tutoring Opportunities Are Available?

Reading

• An adult who is currently reading at or below a third grade level may seek help to improve his/her reading ability.
• The student may also wish to improve his/her spelling, grammar, comprehension, or writing skills.

English Language Learners (ELL)

• An ELL student is an adult learner who is from another country and interested in improving his/her English speaking, reading, or writing skills.
• Some ELL students may be working on requirements for citizenship or training for specific job opportunities.
• Tutors may work in ELL Labs on the Western TC campus or meet individually with students outside of the classroom.

Classroom Subjects

• Western Technical College students may require extra help with course subjects.
• Tutors may work in classrooms at Western TC or meet individually with students outside of the classroom for continued reinforcement.

Responsibilities

• Tutors are asked to meet with their student at least one time per week and commit for 1 year or more.
• Tutors are asked to keep a contact log with information relating to their weekly tutoring sessions.  A quarterly hour report is also sent in to the CRLC program coordinator on a regular basis.

Are CRLC volunteers paid?

No, a volunteer, by definition is unpaid.  For more than 35 years, tutors, officers, and trainers have worked for free.

What are my obligations as a tutor?

We ask that you meet with your student at least one hour per week.  Research shows that on the average, about 52 hours of tutoring are needed for an adult to progress one grade level in reading.  In addition, we ask that you help us keep accurate records of your sessions by completing a quarterly report, which you will receive every three months.  Tutor-student data is essential for us to apply for grants and to supply data for legislative needs, budgets, etc.

What type of training is involved?

The literacy council recommends 12 hours of training for our tutors.  This involves a combination of both face-to-face and online training opportunities.

Who will help me if I have questions about my student?

Contact our CRLC Program Coordinator, Meg Torgerud at crlc@westerntc.edu or call at 608-789-4752.