Area residents are among 17 volunteers who recently completed tutoring training at the Dominican Literacy Center in Aurora.

Alison Brzezinski, DLC tutoring coordinator, with Sr. Kathleen Ryan, administrator and Sr. Jane Ann Beckman, citizenship coordinator, conducted training at the DLC, 260 Vermont Ave. in Aurora.

Founded in 1993, the nonprofit uses volunteers to teach immigrant women to read, write and speak English. Another DLC program prepares women and men for the U.S. citizenship test.

According to Brzezinski, each new tutor completed a daylong training session followed by additional assignments totaling 12 hours. Tutors received 90 minutes of computer training, observed classes for 90 minutes and reviewed their future student’s curriculum with Brzezinski for an hour.

Additionally, some tutors attended a presentation by Brzezinski on using the picture dictionary.

After completing the training, tutors receive information about their students, including years in the U.S., previous education and how often a student speaks English at home and on a job.

Center support staff are available to assist, answer questions and resolve issues when necessary.
After initial training sessions, a yearly training in-service allows tutors to address topics, share responses and to ask questions from experienced tutors.

Training materials at the center include a computer program, manipulatives, picture dictionaries and materials for vocabulary, writing, conversation, grammar and group activities.

New tutors joined 140 experienced tutors who meet one-on-one with students at the center for 90 minutes weekly.
Brzezinski said, “We hope to add at least 25 new tutors in August. Training dates are Aug. 16, 18, 23 and 25 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.”

New tutors are:

Aurora–Pat Marinelli, Linda O’Neill, Martha Ryan and Carolyn Stefani.

Batavia–Bernadette Pabon

Montgomery–Janet Richardson

Naperville–Cathy Granger, Emilee O’Brien and Nadine Stadel

Oswego–Carol Preseren

Plainfield–Kim Ross

St. Charles–Sally Pobojewski and Jane Willard

Call (630) 898-4636 to volunteer or for more information.

Al Benson

Freelance Photo-Journalist

Al Benson is an Aurora-based freelance photo-journalist. He is currently an archives research specialist at Aurora University. His work has appeared in The Voice, The Daily Herald, The Beacon-News, and the Chicago Tribune.