October is International Dyslexia Awareness Month. Did you know dyslexia affects 1 in 5 people? If you’ve never been close to someone with dyslexia, you may not understand it. Click here for more information.
We are offering three terrific courses for tutors and prospective tutors during October and November. These include Basic Tutor Training for anyone interested in learning how to be an effective teacher or tutor of English for adult learners or tutors who want to brush up on their skills; a Tutor Workshop: Increasing Student Engagement (via Zoom) for tutors and prospective tutors who want to get students learning in ways that stick through discovery-based teaching; and a Tutor Workshop: Free Materials for Teaching English (via Zoom) for anyone tutoring or already tutoring ESL learners, homegrown examples of Open Educational Resources (OERs) you can start using today for both in-person and online tutoring will be discussed and shared. Scholarships are available. Contact Courtenay Carr Heuer for additional details.
The first workshop, “Increasing Student Engagement,” is coming up soon–registration closes on October 19.
We’ve created this flyer to promote our courses. Please share with interested colleagues and friends, and post in your community centers, churches and in your Next Door chats.
We had such a wonderful time at the Community Service Network’s Nonprofit Connect event yesterday in downtown Portland. We made genuine connections with other nonprofit organizations participating in the event. We look forward to partnering with some of these great organizations and people in the future.
We are humbled and grateful to announce that we have received a coveted Oregon Cultural Trust Grant of $6000 to support access to literacy training for native English speakers and English language learners who have a strong spoken vocabulary but have never learned to read. Visit our DONATE page to learn more about this grant and how you can donate AND reduce your tax burden this year.
In her first blog as our Executive Director, Courtenay Carr Heuer, shares the rewards and the surprising health benefits she experiences as a volunteer tutor.
For a great read, visit Courtenay’s Blog.
In our September 2026 edition of the newsletter, you’ll find a new feature, “Courtenay’s Blog,” where our Executive Director discusses volunteering and why it’s good for your health; an Introduction to Tutoring video that anyone considering becoming a volunteer literacy tutor will find loads of information; a comprehensive list of organizations seeking literacy tutors and how you can find the right fit for you; ESOL teaching packets; and a new Night at the Movies recommendation. Read the newsletter by clicking here.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE A LITERACY TUTOR?Literacy tutoring doesn’t require any previous experience, degrees, or training to begin. You can volunteer an hour or multiple hours per week. You can volunteer as an assistant in a classroom setting, one-to-one, or leading a small group. You can choose an in-person or online environment. Whatever path you choose, you can be certain it will be rewarding.
If you’re thinking about becoming a volunteer literacy tutor and want to learn what it’s like to be a tutor, start with the Volunteer Tutor Information Session.
The Portland Literacy Council partners with the Portland ESL Network and other area organizations to provide a comprehensive list of area programs that need volunteers.
The following programs regularly seek volunteer tutors to work with adult learners/students. Tutors can choose to work one-to-one, with a small group, or as a program assistant. SEARCH the Portland ESL Network database for an organization, or filter volunteer opportunities for your desired location, time of day, day of the week, the time you can dedicate, and other factors. Or, contact the organizations listed here directly.
PLC’s 2026 Annual Impact Report is now available. This report describes the inspiring work of PLC and the many volunteers supporting adult learners over the last year.
Break the cycle of poverty:
Reach a child in need — Teach an adult to read.
On our For Tutors page, check out the Resources for Tutoring Online drop-down for a wealth of tools and ideas for Online Tutoring. Here’s a sampling:
