Adult literacy council holds tutor workshop in Columbia this month

COLUMBIA - On Jan. 28, Turning Pages S.C. will hold an in-person Tutor Workshop from 9 a.m. to noon. This three-hour training session introduces volunteer tutors to Turning Pages adult education methods and curriculum. During the past 54 years, Turning Pages tutors have helped more than 6,000 adults read.

The Tutor Workshop, held at Turning Pages Office at 2062 N. Beltline Blvd., is led by John Myers, a 30-year veteran of the literacy council.

"Each day I am inspired by other educators who are involved in literacy," Myers said. Myers is retired from the S.C. Department of Education with a niche focus in English/adult literacy.

Adult literacy is not just a problem for educators. It belongs to us all. Those who cannot read cannot participate in mainstream American life. When you cannot read, filling out job applications, or even understanding road signs, is hard.

"Tutoring is such a unique, rewarding experience. Anyone who loves reading and wants to share that feeling with someone can be a tutor," said Lisa Cole, board chair and interim executive director.

Founded in 1968 as the Greater Columbia Literacy Council, Turning Pages S.C. is one of the only groups in the state offering free, one-on-one intensive tutoring for adult learners wanting to improve reading skills.

Volunteer tutors receive free training and are then matched with adult learners and free curriculum kits. Tutoring takes place during one-hour sessions spaced over 12-24 weeks at times convenient to both the tutor and the learner. Sessions are held at public partner locations such as in a reserved room at the Richland library.

More than 1,700 tutors have trained with Turning Pages since its founding.

Apply to be a tutor at www.turningpagessc.org/tutor-interest or email info@turningpagessc.org.