Training

Well-trained volunteers are vital for learner success. Literacy Minnesota offers a variety of in-person and online volunteer trainings. We also provide customized trainings at volunteer literacy programs statewide. For an overview of all training options, browse the first link above.

Training Standards

The Volunteer Training Standards Policy for adult literacy volunteers was developed by the Minnesota Department of Education. They outline the required initial and ongoing training requirements.

How volunteer training benefits both volunteers and literacy programs

• It takes time for volunteers to learn how to tutor. Ongoing training will help them improve their skills.
• Training helps volunteers feel confident and competent in their role. When they feel they’re able to be effective, they are more likely to stick with it. This helps with volunteer retention.
• Training provides an opportunity to develop cultural awareness and sensitivity. Being aware of and sensitive to the cultures of their students allows volunteers to establish positive relationships that foster learning.
• Training sends a message that the program cares about the quality of tutoring or teaching that the volunteer provides. 
• Through training, all volunteers learn and become able to use best practices as defined by the program. For example, cooperative learning strategies, student-centered teaching, and building on the students’ prior knowledge.
• Some volunteers may have an extensive background in teaching or tutoring children. The concepts of adult learning, however, may be very different from their experience with younger students. Training helps these volunteers understand how their interactions with adult learners will differ from working with kids.
• Through training, volunteers can better understand student assessment and its importance within Adult Basic Education. This awareness will help them align their tutoring or teaching with CASAS, TABE or other core content competencies. This is especially important for volunteers who have prior experience as tutors or teachers, but are not familiar with Adult Basic Education in Minnesota.
• Training gives the coordinator and/or teacher an opportunity to explain their curriculum, class levels and how volunteers fit into the “big picture” of the program.
• Training gives volunteers time to develop their skills before using them. New volunteers may not be ready to take on their own tutoring group. Allowing them to observe classes and other volunteers as part of their training process can help them feel confident in their role.
• Communication between volunteers, coordinators and program staff is key to utilizing volunteers effectively. Training on when and how to communicate about student progress or other issues, as well as who to contact, is important.
• By attending training, volunteers show that they personally believe in lifelong learning. Through their example, they encourage adult students to pursue their own learning goals. It sends a message that “you’re never too old to learn.”

Tips for Training Volunteers

• Recognize the level of expertise current volunteers already have and involve them in an interactive way, rather than lecturing.
• Combine training with a potluck/dinner or other social gathering.
• Emphasize that volunteers can learn from learners.
• Ask what topics they would like to address and provide options.
• Erase the stigma that some volunteers may feel about “needing training” and instead describe it as a positive “skill building workshop.” That way, they may see it as adding to what they already know and an opportunity to grow and learn.
• Include time for volunteers to talk with one another in groups.
• Build on what volunteers already know; incorporate their experience by making it interactive. i.e. Volunteers share tips with each other about what they’ve found helpful to students.
• Offer training at several times of day or on different days in order to accommodate their schedules.
• Ask experienced volunteers to speak to new volunteers during the training or lead part of the training.

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