Demand for English Language Tutoring in Bangor Remains High
February 14, 2025
BANGOR, Maine – Roughly 60 local adults await a tutor assignment so they can improve their literacy. To meet this need, Literacy Volunteers of Bangor (LVB) is recruiting volunteers to teach Bangor area adults who want to read, write, and/or speak and understand English better. Certification training for new tutors will begin in March with an information session on Tuesday, March 18 from 6-8 p.m. at Eastern Maine Community College. A combination of in-person and online classes will follow over the four weeks.
Chandra Cote, is a newly trained English language tutor with Literacy Volunteers. She attended LVB’s Tutor Certification last fall and was quickly matched with a Syrian woman who is learning English. “The certification course was valuable, and it is comforting to learn how we’re supported as tutors after the training,” offered Chandra. “With my student, I’m doing more than teaching English and empowering a New Mainer. I’m broadening my understanding of another culture and gaining a friend.”
In 2024, LVB recruited and trained 41 tutors to meet growing demand for English language tutoring in greater Bangor and LVB quickly matched them with waiting adult students. Better English literacy affords a higher standard of living, access to better decision-making information, and a sense of belonging – all things our society values. Volunteer tutors make this work possible by dedicating time and helping adult students develop fundamental skills.
LVB’s redesigned Tutor Certification Course is more flexible, engaging, and 35% shorter than in previous years. The course includes a blend of online and in-person training as well as clear, self-directed learning assignments. Interested volunteers will need access to the internet and attend some classes via Zoom. Staff are available to help prepare interested volunteers.
On-demand Tutor Certification training is also available online. This online format provides flexibility for new volunteers to begin the training any time, and progress through the classes on their own schedule.
Many people may think tutoring requires teaching experience or the ability to speak another language. It requires neither. LVB seeks compassionate people who enjoy coaching, mentoring, and teaching.
Tutoring requires about 1-2 hours a week. Tutors typically meet with a student on a one-on-one basis, either in-person or remotely using a virtual meeting platform like Zoom. Examples of goals for adults who reach out to LVB include receiving a high school diploma, obtaining a driver’s license, securing a better job, voting for the first time, reading to children, or becoming a U.S citizen.
A training schedule, a registration link, and additional information are available on our website or call us at 207-947-8451.
Chandra Cote, is a newly trained English language tutor with Literacy Volunteers. She attended LVB’s Tutor Certification last fall and was quickly matched with a Syrian woman who is learning English. “The certification course was valuable, and it is comforting to learn how we’re supported as tutors after the training,” offered Chandra. “With my student, I’m doing more than teaching English and empowering a New Mainer. I’m broadening my understanding of another culture and gaining a friend.”
In 2024, LVB recruited and trained 41 tutors to meet growing demand for English language tutoring in greater Bangor and LVB quickly matched them with waiting adult students. Better English literacy affords a higher standard of living, access to better decision-making information, and a sense of belonging – all things our society values. Volunteer tutors make this work possible by dedicating time and helping adult students develop fundamental skills.
LVB’s redesigned Tutor Certification Course is more flexible, engaging, and 35% shorter than in previous years. The course includes a blend of online and in-person training as well as clear, self-directed learning assignments. Interested volunteers will need access to the internet and attend some classes via Zoom. Staff are available to help prepare interested volunteers.
On-demand Tutor Certification training is also available online. This online format provides flexibility for new volunteers to begin the training any time, and progress through the classes on their own schedule.
Many people may think tutoring requires teaching experience or the ability to speak another language. It requires neither. LVB seeks compassionate people who enjoy coaching, mentoring, and teaching.
Tutoring requires about 1-2 hours a week. Tutors typically meet with a student on a one-on-one basis, either in-person or remotely using a virtual meeting platform like Zoom. Examples of goals for adults who reach out to LVB include receiving a high school diploma, obtaining a driver’s license, securing a better job, voting for the first time, reading to children, or becoming a U.S citizen.
A training schedule, a registration link, and additional information are available on our website or call us at 207-947-8451.
