FAQs
For learners:
How do I enter the program?
Learners are encouraged to call the LV office at 518-234-2576 to set up an in-take. This will give the LV staff a chance to hear your goals and learn about your education. In a few weeks, you will take a TABE test, which will help determine your literacy level. Then you will be matched with a tutor.
Where is the LV office?
Cobleskill (Monday through Friday):
United Methodist Church
107 Chapel Street, Suite 2
Cobleskill, NY 12043
Phone: 518-234-2576
Gloversville (Tuesday through Thursday):
73 N. Main Street Suite 101
Gloversville, NY 12078
Phone: 518-725-1440
Fonda (Wednesday):
Fonda Reformed Church
19-21 Broadway (next to Stewarts)
Fonda, NY 12068
Phone: 518-227-3786
Canajoharie (by appointment only):
The Canajoharie Town Office Building
12 Mitchell Street
Canajoharie, NY 13317
Phone: 518-227-3786
How much does LV charge?
Tutoring with Literacy New York - Fulton, Montgomery, and Schoharie Counties is free.
How many days a week are the sessions?
Learners meet with their tutor at least one day a week. Extra sessions can be added if the learner and tutor feel the extra time is needed.
How long are the tutoring sessions?
Tutoring sessions are at least one hour long, or longer if the tutor and learner wish.
Will I be in sessions with other learners?
Learners meet one-on-one with their tutors.
Is there a minimum age to be a learner?
Learners must be at least 16 years of age before July 1st of any given school year. There is no maximum age for a learner.
Are the tutors with LV teachers?
Tutors are trained before they work with learners. Tutors do not need to have a background as a teacher.
Can I be in school and still be a learner with LV?
Learners cannot be enrolled in high school and still be a learner with LV.
What programs does LV offer?
LV offers three programs: Basic Literacy, English Language Learners, and GED Preparatory Instruction. GED Preparatory Instruction is for people trying to get their high school equivalency degree. ELL is for people who desire to better speak and understand English. Basic Literacy is for people who want to improve their general reading and writing skills.
How long can I stay in the program?
There is no maximum time for learners to be in the program.
Will I have to wait for a tutor?
You may have to wait briefly while LV finds a tutor whose schedule and background match your needs. All matches are put together as quickly as possible.
Do I choose my tutor?
LV matches you with a tutor. The first meeting is held with a LV staff member present.
Does LV administer the GED?
LV does not administer the GED test, but it offers preparation tutoring for the test. LV can inform you when and where the test is offered.
How long will it take me to get my GED?
This depends on the level at which you test upon entering the program and your personal level of commitment. Generally, it will take a year, more or less, to obtain your GED.
How do I know when I’m done?
Learners set goals upon entering the program. As the learner learns more, these goals can grow.
What if I don’t like my tutor?
Issues between tutor and learner should be brought to LV to see if a solution can be reached. If not, learners can be matched with a different tutor.
What happens if I miss a tutoring session?
If you know you are going to miss a session, please call your tutor to let him/her know. If you miss three sessions in six months without informing your tutor, you may be removed from the program.
What if I don’t know what program I should be in?
In your first meeting with an LV staff member, you will be asked questions to determine your goals and educational background. At a later date you will take a test to determine your literacy level.
For tutors:
What are the requirements for becoming a tutor?
Tutors must be at least 18 years of age, be willing to complete all required training, be able to speak and understand English well enough to communicate clearly, demonstrate reading ability of at least a 12th grade level, complete the tutor intake form, for learner safety have no record of any sex offense or violent crimes, and be able to see well enough to differentiate characters on the printed page.
Do I need a teaching background to be a tutor?
Many of our tutors do not have teaching backgrounds. All tutors, regardless of their background, go through training before working with learners. Tutors also need to attend at least one additional workshop over the course of a year.
Where is the LV office?
Cobleskill (Monday through Friday):
United Methodist Church
107 Chapel Street, Suite 2
Cobleskill, NY 12043
Phone: 518-234-2576
Gloversville (Tuesday through Thursday):
73 N. Main Street Suite 101
Gloversville, NY 12078
Phone: 518-725-1440
Fonda (Wednesday):
Fonda Reformed Church
19-21 Broadway (next to Stewarts)
Fonda, NY 12068
Phone: 518-227-3786
Canajoharie (by appointment only):
The Canajoharie Town Office Building
12 Mitchell Street
Canajoharie, NY 13317
Phone: 518-227-3786
How many learners will I have to tutor at one time?
Most tutors work with one learner at a time. You are welcome to tutor more than one learner at a time if you desire.
Is there training to become a tutor?
Yes, there is training. Training sessions are scheduled two-to-three times a year with three-to-four classroom sessions. Tutors are required to attend all classes. Tutors also must attend at least one additional workshop a year, for re-certification purposes. All training LV provides to tutors is free.
How often is the tutoring and how long am I expected to tutor?
Tutoring sessions are at least once a week, with sessions lasting between one and two hours. Most tutors have stay with us for five years, but we request a minimum of one year.
What happens if I am unable to meet with my learner?
Please call your learner and let them know that you will be unable to attend.
Does LV provide lesson plans and a curriculum for my learner?
At the first meeting with your learner, you will be given the appropriate resources and suggestions to best meet your learner’s needs.
Do I need to buy the textbooks and materials I need to tutor?
LV provides materials for tutors to use with their learners, although tutors are welcome to search for additional materials.
Do I decide which learner I will tutor?
LV will match you with a learner, and the initial meeting will be held with an LV staff member.
Where do I meet with my learner?
Tutors meet with their learners in public places such as libraries or churches. Under no circumstances do tutors go to a learner’s house or provide transportation for their learner.
How old do I have to be in order to be a tutor?
Tutors must be at least 18 years of age.
What level of education do I need to tutor?
Tutors must demonstrate at least a 12th grade reading level and be able to clearly speak and understand English. They must be able to attend to a task for at least 60 minutes.
What types of learners does LV serve?
LV serves adult learners (16 years or older) who are not currently enrolled in high school.
What do I do if I don’t like my learner?
Issues between learners and tutors should be directed to the LV staff. If a solution cannot be found, both will be matched with another candidate.
Can I tutor if I used to be a learner?
Yes. A learner who has successfully met their own literacy goals will have a uniqute outlook on teaching others.
I don’t have time to tutor, but are there other ways I can contribute?
There are many other ways to contribute. You can volunteer at one of our events, or donate money or educational materials. Please contact the Literacy New York office at 518-234-2576 with questions.
