2026 Volunteer Literacy Tutor Conference – Call for Proposals

Call for Workshop Proposals

The Portland Literacy Council invites you to present practical, hands-on workshops to support volunteer literacy tutors in our community.  

Schools, churches, community centers, libraries, community colleges, and nonprofit organizations in the tri-county area depend on the services of volunteer literacy tutors to support both English-speaking and non-English-speaking adults in learning fundamental literacy skills. Volunteer literacy tutors ensure that everyone has access to a basic education! 

Now, YOUR  tips, coaching, and expertise are needed to help support volunteer literacy tutors have successful and rewarding experiences and real opportunities to impact their communities! 

Presenters are needed for practical volunteer-oriented trainings on:

  • Grammar
  • Teaching vocabulary
  • Speaking & listening activities
  • Reading & writing (including foundational literacy)
  • Working with under-served learners
  • US citizenship preparation
  • Health literacy support & life skills
  • Using technology with learners
  • GED tutoring
  • Navigating cultural competence & disability

Workshop Proposal Deadline: Sunday, February 1, 2026

Please click here to submit your proposal online:

Our Mission:

Portland Literacy Council supports and promotes adult literacy in order to foster a thriving and equitable community.

Proposal Guidelines

With our theme, Equity Through Literacy, the Portland Literacy Council invites proposals for sessions that are 75 minutes and feature practical and creative strategies to use when working with adult learners. Priority will be given to proposals that focus on clear and basic practice-based, participant-centered strategies that will help even the most novice volunteer tutor to gain confidence. Experienced tutors and mentors are encouraged to submit proposals.

  • Presentations should have specific learning objectives, be interactive, and be relevant to a diverse audience (volunteers working with adult native-born Americans as well as many immigrants who are working to master the basics of English communication).

Below are a few suggestions to consider in your proposal:

  • Cultural competency skills for tutors working with ESL (English as a Second Language) and ABE (Adult Basic Education), and learners with disabilities

  • Sample activities or lesson plans that address literacy issues but also cover the four language skills

  • Creative instructional techniques such as lessons that use drama, role-play, chants, etc. 

  • What do you do when all your teaching strategies are not working?

  • Strategies for motivating and retaining adult learners

  • Techniques that require minimal resources

  • Using technology to motivate learners

Questions? Contact Linda Rountree: linda@portlandliteracy.org

The status of proposals will be confirmed by February 6th.