Tutor training workshop slated Saturday

Volunteers are welcome to find out what it takes to be a tutor when the Valley Adult Learning Association holds a training workshop here Saturday.
While the deadline to register was Wednesday, VALA co-ordinator Barb Duguay said it’s not too late to sign up for the workshop, which runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
“We have 10 registered but we’d like to fill the class with 15. So anyone interested can contact me before noon [Friday],” Duguay said Thursday morning.
She can be reached at 274-3553.
Saturday’s workshop, which costs $8 (which covers lunch and supplies) is a good jumping on point for newcomers, she noted.
“And with the tutors we have on board, we like to have something to keep the momentum going, to have something new,” she added.
Topics at the workshop will range from the roles and responsibilities of being a tutor to the “Word Attack” reading strategy.
VALA provides free literacy training, as well as basic computer and Internet training, for adult clients in preparation for employment or a high school diploma.
Two tutors who have been volunteering with VALA for about a year said the job is its own reward. “I’m a retired school teacher and once you’re a teacher, you’re always a teacher,” said Edwina Frenette, who works as a tutor four days a week.
“When I retired, somehow I missed being able to go out there and work with people. It’s my raison d’etre,” she added. “Tutoring is a great pleasure and I’ve made some new friends with the people I work with.”
Betty Newman, also a retired school teacher, agreed. “I find it satisfying when I see clients find success with their reading,” she noted.
“And they can be very interesting people to work with.”
Duguay said VALA strives to be accommodating and flexible.
“We work the rural area all the way to Rainy River. If someone who lives out of town wants to, they can do their tutoring at a central location such as their community library,” she noted.
“And we supply all the materials and supplies–we set you up pretty good.
“We try to match the tutor to the learner,” she added. “And the learning is ‘self-driven’ so there’s flexibility if the tutor or learner wants to go away on holidays, for instance.”
VALA, and its sister adult education program at the United Native Friendship Centre, are initiatives under Literacy Northwest.