The Winter Park-based organization offers much more than basic skills and support to its volunteer instructors. Photos by: Jim Carchidi
The Adult Literacy League has been providing skills development and personal growth opportunities for those needing to complete their formal education for 56 years. Administrative offices are located at 2221 Lee Rd. in Winter Park, but classes and tutoring are offered throughout Central Florida.
“Since our inception, we have served Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties,” said Peyton Whittington, Development & Communications Manager. “Locally, we have seen a 23% increase in the number of students from the Winter Park/Maitland area and a 59% increase in the number of volunteers from the same area in the last year.”
According to the National Literacy Institute, in 2022, 21% of adults in the United States were illiterate, with 54% of adults having literacy skills below the 6th grade level.
Group classes often take place in libraries and via live streaming, but one-on-one tutoring has become a staple for its level of personal attention and scheduling flexibility. Tutors and students are matched according to the student’s goals, the teacher’s experience, and each other’s schedule availability. Sessions can take place anywhere from a coffee shop to a public park. “We tell our volunteers that they are not just educators, they are cheerleaders and mentors,” Whittington said.
The process for students begins with an assessment to determine the appropriate level of instruction. Volunteers receive a three-hour training session on how to meet student needs, and appropriate curriculum is provided for each lesson. “You don’t have to be a teacher to be a volunteer,” Whittington said. “And we make sure volunteers are supported throughout the process with tutor training workshops and support committees they can turn to with questions.”
Although no previous teaching experience is required, there are some volunteers who are more than suitable.
“I was a teacher for nine and a half years and a school psychologist for 35 years,” said Pam Abrams, who has been tutoring for the Adult Literacy League since 2020. Her passion for education inspired her to continue even in retirement, but her interest in the league grew after she discovered the variety of its services and the people who need them. “My first student wanted to join the military and needed help passing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test,” she said. “I helped him get a high enough score to qualify. My second student was a 65-year-old woman who had never learned to read.”
Among Abrams’ recent success stories is that of 30-year-old Michael Spears, who needed help getting his GED. After unsuccessfully studying in group classes, his scores improved with one-on-one tutoring in all the required subjects, including reading and writing, science, social studies and math. “It was difficult at first,” he said, “nobody wants to admit they don’t know certain things, but I had to do it.”
“The league helps with so much more than just reading skills, but I didn’t really understand that until I got involved in volunteering,” Abrams said. “And I think there are a lot of people who don’t realize that either.”
While raising awareness can be challenging, results are only possible through support. The 16th edition of the league’s annual Reading Between the Lines fundraiser is in the planning stages, but sustainability is a year-round effort. “We are very grassroots,” Whittington said. “We receive funding from foundations and government grants, religious and civic organizations, and private donors.” She adds that several former students have returned to offer their time to help facilitate the success of others.
For those wondering if they have what it takes to be a tutor, patience and a willingness to help are the most valuable qualities. And for many who need help, the stigma of an incomplete education is the first challenge to overcome.
“Try it,” Abrams said. “The league supports tutors very well. I think in most cases anyone who is thinking about volunteering would enjoy it.”
“Just do it,” Spears said. “Even though you may feel like you’re not smart enough, there are people who will work with you and do what’s best for you.”
For more information, including registration and volunteer information, visit adultliteracyleague.org.
