Toledo: To meet an unprecedented demand for tutors in its Basic English as a Second Language tutoring program, Read For Literacy, Toledo’s volunteer literacy agency, is seeking 25 additional Spanish-speaking persons to become volunteer tutors in the agency’s newly expanded English as a Second Language tutoring program.

In March, Read For Literacy announced a new English as a Second Language (ESOL) tutoring program designed expressly for Spanish-speaking adults who want to learn to read and speak English.  The community’s response has been overwhelming, said Jim Funk, Read For Literacy’s director.

“In March, we trained and matched our first class of 12 Spanish-Speaking tutors. But during March and April 20 new Spanish-speaking adults came to us seeking help. We are therefore have an immediate need for 25 additional Spanish-speaking tutors, both to meet the current need and to prepare for new students who will come to us in future months,” said Funk.

 “We therefore encourage anyone interested in becoming a tutor to attend our next training session for the ESOL program will be held on June 6 and 13, 2009, from 9:30 to 3:30,” Funk said.

The new program differs from RFL’s past ESOL programs in two ways according to Jim Funk, RFL’s Director. “First, we are seeking Spanish-speaking tutors in the belief that students will learn more rapidly if their tutors can speak at least some Spanish. Second, the tutors meet with their students wherever the student is most comfortable, whether it be in a branch library or at community agency, such as Adelante, Inc., or the Provident Center (formerly Aurora González Family & Community Resource Center or the East Toledo Family Center).”

Individuals interested in becoming tutors are encouraged to call April Elizondo at Read For Literacy at 419-242-7323, or to visit the agency’s offices in the main library at 325 N. Michigan St. in downtown.