Literacy Program in Need of Volunteers

An adult literacy program is seeking volunteers to teach basic reading skills.

Anyone interested in working with the Conejo Valley Adult School’s Literacy Program is asked to attend a workshop that will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 10 at the school’s literacy center, 1025 Old Farm Road.

Demonstrations and group work will be used to train tutors on the basics of phonics, comprehension skills and teaching spelling.

“The tutor actually learns to teach reading,” said Marge Ceran, Conejo Valley Adult Education literacy coordinator.

Once the training is completed, tutors are asked to commit two hours a week during the day or evening.

The hours are flexible and even those who work full-time can become tutors, according to program organizers.

The center’s more than 100 tutors usually volunteer for at least a year, Ceran said.

“There’s a tremendous satisfaction in seeing someone grow and progress,” said Ceran, adding that tutors feel proud when their students are promoted at work or accepted to college. “It’s a way to help people help themselves.”

For information or to reserve a spot in the workshop, call Ceran or Bettie Rae Hall at 374-1161.