Tutor Job Description

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A Legacy for Literacy, the Newton Free Library’s award-winning ESL/Literacy program, provides FREE tutoring services for adults of limited English proficiency. Volunteer tutors are very much needed. Teaching English as a Second Language is very rewarding work. Just an hour a week of your time can make a real difference. No prior experience is necessary as tutoring workshops are offered at the Library.

To get involved:
  • Come to our next "Introductory Workshop" OR
  • Complete the tutor application provided above and bring it to the library OR
  • Contact ESL/Literacy program coordinator listed at the bottom of this page OR
  • Check out Talk Time for Tutors blog where Newton tutors share ideas about teaching English
Classes and Events Start Date/Time Duration Location
American Short Stories* Tuesday, July 6, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 8 Tuesdays Meeting Room A
America in Song* Thursday, July 8, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 8 Thursdays Meeting Room A
Tutors Roundtable* Tuesday, July 13, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Trustees Room
Introductory Workshop Thursday, July 15, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Trustees Room
Speak English with Confidence* Tuesday, August 3, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. 8 Tuesdays Meeting Room A

Classes and Events descriptions:

  • American Short Stories* - for intermediate to advanced students. Read and talk about American Short Stories by leading authors of the 19th and 20th centuries.
  • America in Song* - for intermediate to advanced students who love to sing or love to listen! Enjoy famous songs and learn about American holidays, history, and art. No previous knowledge of music required.
  • Tutors Roundtable* - a forum for tutors currently in the program to share ideas and concerns
  • Introductory Workshop - an orientation for those interested in becoming tutors
  • Speak English with Confidence* - for intermediate to advanced students. Improve your English speaking and listening skills. Learn how to apply these skills to your social and personal life.

* Space is limited.  Pre-registration is required. To register, contact the ESL Program Coordinator. Contact information is at the bottom of this page.

Here We Are: Memoirs From A Legacy For Literacy
The library’s Legacy for Literacy program recently celebrated the publication of, "Here We Are: Memoirs From A Legacy For Literacy". The memoirs include entries from 68 learners who come from 16 places of origin; assisted by forty-five tutors. Chapters include topics such as childhood, family, friendship, traditions, transitions and more.

Susan Bécam, the library’s Legacy for Literacy coordinator headed up the project. In 2007 Ms. Bécam had the distinction of being named a Literacy Champion by the Massachusetts Literacy Foundation. Lauded for her visionary leadership, Bécam grew the library’s literacy program from the 2001 enrollment, when it served roughly 40 adult English-language learners, to its current enrollment of upwards of 300. The publication project was funded through a generous grant from the Massachusetts Literacy Foundation and Verizon. Copies of the memoir may be checked out of the library’s collection.

Try Our Best Recipes!

A Legacy for Literacy is proud to present its ESL Cookbook, Our Best Recipes, with 150 tasty international recipes provided by ESL tutors and learners in the program. Our popular potluck suppers, held twice a year in Druker Auditorium, inspired this fund-raising vehicle. Read the April 18, 2007 Boston Globe article about our cookbook.

The cookbook will make a great gift for friends and family. Look for it at the Circulation Desk in the lobby of the Main Library. A Legacy for Literacy serves more than 250 adults with limited English proficiency. Your support of the cookbook project will help update and expand our literacy collection.

We are grateful to the Friends of the Library for their gracious support.