Volunteer Literacy Tutoring
This program helps adults develop their basic reading, writing, oral language, and math skills. It is a free program offered to anyone 19 years of age or older. Students can join the program anytime between September and May. Students work one-to-one with a volunteer tutor, focusing on their goals and learning at their own pace.
I need tutoring
This program is for you if you:
- are 19 years or older
- need one-to-one help with reading, writing, speaking, or basic math
- need to improve these skills for school, for work, for home, or to get into another program
- can meet in-person or online
- need flexible learning times
Get started
Contact the literacy instructor at your nearest campus to get started.
I would like to become a tutor
What is required of tutors?
- Volunteer tutors must complete an application form, provide references, provide consent for a criminal record check (some campuses) and meet with a staff from the tutoring program for an intake meeting
- Tutors must participate in free tutor-training sessions
- Tutors set up their volunteer schedules based on their availability and that of their students, ideally meeting once or twice per week for a minimum of 6 months
- Tutoring sessions could be in-person at designated meeting areas, or online, or a combination of in-person and online sessions
- Tutors create a student-centered environment and help the student work towards their learning goals
- Tutors spend time in advance planning their sessions
- Tutors provide regular reports to the instructor
You are eligible to be a tutor if you:
- are an adult who enjoys working with other adults
- are proficient in the English language and/or basic math
- can commit to weekly tutoring sessions for a minimum of 6 months
- can be flexible to accommodate student schedule needs
- want to contribute to your community
Get started
Contact a literacy instructor at your nearest campus to get started.
Contact us
Get started today by contacting a literacy instructor at your nearest campus:
Kelowna
Rene Dahms
I joined in 2004 as an Adult Literacy Instructor and worked initially at the Salmon Arm Campus. I was a founding member of The Literacy Alliance of the Shuswap Society (LASS) in 2009. I’m a people person so my favourite part of being an Instructor is the connection with my students. The things I love most in my life are my family, my chocolate Lab, Bear, travel, reading and the “pinch-me-I-live-here” moments of residing and working in Kelowna.
Credentials:
B.Ed, Emergent Literacy/Primary Program, University of British Columbia
BA, English and History, Simon Fraser University
Penticton
For Summerland contact Brianne Niznikowski
For Osoyoos/Oliver/OK Falls contact Amanda MacLeod
Brianne Niznikowski
I began my career with 's Adult Upgrading department in 2015. I teach English literacy and numeracy and also facilitate the Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutor Program. What I love the most about teaching adult literacy is connecting with students and helping them transform their lives. When I am not teaching, I am spending time with friends and family enjoying all that the Okanagan has to offer.
Credentials:
B.Ed, Education, University of British Columbia Okanagan
BA, History, University of British Columbia Okanagan
Vernon
Chandra McCann
I became a volunteer literacy tutor at the Vernon Campus of in 2007. In 2008, I began working as the VLT Program Assistant, and as a support person for students with disabilities. I have been teaching Fundamental English and working as the VLT Program Instructor since 2013, and teaching Fundamental Math since 2018.
Credentials:
B.Ed, French, University of Toronto
BA, French, University of Toronto
Learner-Centred Instructor Certificate,
Salmon Arm
Adult Upgrading
- If you are interested in Adult Upgrading English courses (not tutoring), then please contact Tracy Riley.
- There is no Adult Upgrading tutoring available at this time on the Salmon Arm campus. Please see ESLSAP for ESL tutoring support.
English as a Second Language Settlement Assistance Program (ESLSAP)
- If you are interested in English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring or ESL Practice Groups, then please contact Olia Bullen.
Olia Bullen
