Literacy Mid-South

The adult learning program at Literacy Mid-South provides basic education for low-literate adults. The agency operates its adult learning program from a midtown location and is open days, evenings, and Saturday mornings. More than 350 trained volunteers provide private and group tutoring for adults who want to learn. We have more than thirty years of experience in community literacy education, and we have received national awards for our excellence in programming.

• We offer free literacy instruction to adults. A full range of learning opportunities is offered; adult students may meet with a private tutor, attend classes, and/or study in the computer lab.

• We provide free conversational English classes for adults who are learning English as a second language.

• We train volunteers to become literacy tutors. Tutor training workshops are offered throughout the year. All teaching materials are provided free of charge.

• We assist other groups to expand literacy services for special populations. Tutor training and program development services are available to emerging and current programs throughout Memphis and the Mid-South.

An estimated 130,000 adults in Memphis are not able to read well enough to fill out a job application or read to their children.  Their lives are often marked by isolation and dependence on others. 
Literacy Mid-South helps adults improve their reading, writing, and math skills by offering free private tutoring, small classes, and computer lab instruction. Volunteer tutors devote their time and talent towards helping over 300 students who attend each week. Without volunteers, the goal of promoting lifelong learning and improved literacy could not be accomplished.

What are the qualities of a good literacy tutor?

• Patience and flexibility
• A strong commitment to helping others learn
• The ability to work with people from different backgrounds

What are tutors’ responsibilities?

• A commitment to tutor for about two hours a week for one full calendar year
• Completion of a 10-hour tutor training workshop 
• Begin tutoring immediately after training
• Agree to tutor for personal reasons only with no expectation of compensation or payment

Where and when does tutoring take place?

• Students and tutors meet at our learning center at 902 S. Cooper St., where staff members are always on hand to answer questions and offer support.
• Volunteers choose from daytime, evening hours for their tutoring sessions.  Scheduling is flexible.
• In addition to one-on-one tutoring, volunteers can tutor students in the computer lab or in small classes.
• Literacy Mid-South provides all materials

How can I become a tutor?

Tutor Training Workshops   Literacy Mid-South offers tutor training workshops several times a year.  Members of our Tutor Training Team share from their experiences as they guide volunteers through the basic skills of tutoring, including reading comprehension, writing, and lesson planning. (All materials needed for the workshop are provided.) New volunteers take a tour of the center, meet with the program staff, and explore resources and materials.

Review the spring tutor training workshops, and choose one that fits your schedule:

Adult Literacy Tutor Training Dates
August	6 &  7th (both sessions required)	Friday Evening & Saturday	6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

First, fill out an application, and return it to our center.  You will be registered for the tutor training workshop of your choice as long as room is available.   Confirmation will follow by e-mail.

Second, attend a tutor training workshop.  There you will meet program staff and current tutors.  You will also receive materials and instructions on how to begin. 

Lastly and certainly not least, welcome to our team!

Apply Now!!