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Palm Harbor Literacy Council Wants Tutors

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: November 29, 2008

PALM HARBOR - A young mother from a foreign country would like to attend parent-teacher conferences but does not know enough English to feel comfortable.

A grandmother who immigrated to America with her family would like to learn enough English to converse with her neighbors and not feel alone in a foreign land.

A man who had a good job in his native land would like to master enough English to enter the workforce.

All these people - and those with hundreds more stories - are turning to the Palm Harbor Literacy Council to learn the language of their newly adopted homeland.

The Friends of the Palm Harbor Library booster group created and funds the literacy council.

Arlene Zimmermann, literacy council director, said there is a great need for tutors to teach conversational English, reading and writing to adults on a one-on-one basis. It would be better if the tutor does not speak the language of the student, so communication has to be done in English, she said.

Many second language speakers learned some English in their country, but need practice speaking and learning idioms not taught in school, Zimmerman explained.

Tutors and their students are matched. Lessons are tailored to the needs of the student, Zimmermann said.

For example, if a mother wants to meet with her youngster's teachers, the lesson is designed to give her the words and skills she needs to feel comfortable.

It is even better that the council operates at the library, where resources can be tapped to supply the parent with information she can use to ask informed questions, she added.

The twice-a-week tutoring sessions are scheduled at the convenience of the tutor and student, usually for about 90 minutes.

Most tutors work with their students over many months and become friends. Some even tutor at the person's house, so family members can meet them, she said.

English as a second language students come from all over the world, especially Eastern Europe and Latin and Asian countries, she said. There is a waiting list of about 20 people for tutors, who must be at least 18-years of age.

The council's work has continued over the last few months, after renovations closed the main library building until January.

When the library reopens the literacy council will have its own office with enclosed rooms where English skills can be practiced with more privacy than in the old quarters, she said.

The need for tutors is growing in the area. Even more English as a second language speakers are expected to come forward once the word gets out about the council's new quarters at the library, she said.

The council has about 75 tutors, but not everyone can volunteer for hours when the need is greatest.

All materials are provided by the council, through the Friends of the Palm Harbor Library, at no cost to the student.

A new tutor orientation will take place from 6 - 8 p.m. Jan. 28. It will be followed by two training sessions, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 31 and Feb. 28, at the Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave.

For more information about the Palm Harbor Literacy Council call 727-784-3332, ext. 3010.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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