Virtual Training Scheduled

Those who have made a New Year's resolution to be more active in their communities are invited to consider becoming a tutor with the Volunteer English Program (VEP) of Chester County.

Prospective tutors are invited to attend the next tutor training session that will be held via Zoom on Monday, Jan. 25; Wednesday, Jan. 27; and Thursday, Jan. 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. each evening. Since the class is virtual, attendees may dress comfortably and feel free to enjoy their own snacks and beverages at home.

Throughout the pandemic and even during the stay-at-home order, VEP continued to provide one-to-one English language classes, as well as information on understanding American culture, to adult learners, while continuing to offer services and support to its students and tutors. The first virtual tutor training was held in September.

"Basically, we teach the same methods and techniques for teaching ESL students but modified in a way that is adaptable to teaching virtually," said Rachel Van Tassel, VEP program director, when explaining the virtual training. "Working virtually with a student with the English language barrier is challenging because you don't have the textbook right next to you and you don't have that high touch anymore. You need to make sure your materials, methods and techniques are up to par so the students can still acquire the language."

Prior teaching experience or fluency in a language other than English is not required to become a tutor. "It's all about life experiences. We all come from different backgrounds, but we all have something to teach one another. It's very rewarding," said Van Tassel. "It's not just one-way. (They) are learning from each other."

Tutors and students are asked to make a yearlong commitment to the program. "(Student/tutor pairs) are meeting for three hours a week, and we suggest they split that into two one-and-a-half hour sessions," Van Tassel said, adding, "We have pairs going way beyond the one-year mark. It's not a classroom. They are building a personal relationship with each other."

Right now, there is a waiting list of students in need of tutors. "We consistently have upwards of 100 students waiting on tutors," Van Tassel said, noting that references and background checks are conducted before tutors are matched with students. "We still match people based on geographical location in the event they do want to meet outside for coffee. We serve all of the Chester County, (including) students who live or work in Chester County."

A fee will be charged to participate in the upcoming virtual training. Attendees will be asked to pick up a hard-copy tutor training manual at the VEP office in West Chester prior to the session. Information about pickup dates will be provided after registration.

To register, readers may visit http://www.volunteerenglish.org. More information about the program is available at the website and by visiting http://www.facebook.com/VolunteerEng or calling 610-918-8222.