2022-23 Pre-Service Training for Literacy Mentors

Thank you for volunteering as a Literacy Mentor! The following trainings will prepare you for an impactful, fun year with your readers!

NEW DATE:
September 8 is Background Check & Paperwork Day

To accommodate folks who may be traveling over the Labor Day Holiday, we have rescheduled Background Check & Paperwork Day for Thursday, September 8.

On Thursday, September 8, all Literacy Mentors will attend Background Check & Paperwork Day at Liberty Plaza (290 Arundel Street, St. Paul MN 55103). You will:

• Complete paperwork for the State and/or conduct the Federal Background Check (fingerprinting).
• Confirm you can access the AARP Volunteer Portal.
• Register with AmeriCorps for the year (AC members only).
• Confirm tutoring site placement and approximate schedule.

Training Sequence

Step 1: e-Training Courses
Step 2: Technology Open House - Optional - Register!
Step 3: Virtual Tutoring Orientation - Virtual Volunteers Only - Register!
Step 4: Structured Session Training (Zoom) - Register!
Step 5: Pre-Fluency Training (Zoom) - Register!
Step 6: Site Orientations

For questions regarding literacy trainings, please contact:

• Mary Fritz (mary.fritz@eslcmn.org // 651-315-8462); or
• Mary Noble (mary.noble@eslcmn.org // 651-758-0848)

• Alyssa Hamel (alyssa.hamel@eslcmn.org // 651-758-0845)

Step 1: e-Training Courses

e-Training Courses are virtual trainings that you complete independently. You will access your e-training courses in the AARP Volunteer Portal. Program staff will ensure you have access to the Volunteer Portal on Background Check & Paperwork Day.

On September 9th, you will receive an email notifying you that you may begin your e-training courses.

New volunteers should complete the following courses:

1. Welcome Course (30 min)
2. Volunteer Orientation (30 min)
3. Volunteer Portal Time Entry (15 min)
4. New Tutor Structured Session (approx. 2 hours)

1. Welcome Course (30 min)
2. Volunteer Orientation (30 min)
3. Returning Tutor Structured Session (approx. 2 hours)

Step 2: Technology Open House
Optional

You are welcome to work through the e-training courses listed above on your own. Or, if you would like ESLC staff support, register to attend our Technology Open House!

September 12, 13, 14 and 15
9 AM to 4 PM
Liberty Plaza Community Center (290 Arundel Street, St. Paul MN 55103)

We will be available to help with:

• Accessing the Volunteer Portal
• Completing e-training courses
• Logging Volunteer Hours

Step 3: Virtual Tutoring Orientation
Virtual Volunteers Only

Friday, September 16th
Register for your preferred session: 11 AM or 2 PM 
Liberty Plaza Community Center (290 Arundel Street, St. Paul MN 55103)

Virtual Orientation is time to learn about technology tools specifically related to virtual tutoring. This in-person training will allow you to test out the technical elements of virtual tutoring. Please bring the device you plan to use for tutoring (ex. iPad, Laptop). If you plan to use an ESLC-provided Chromebook, one will be available for you at the training.

Here is what we will cover in orientation:

• How to access Zoom links and the NEW setup for Zoom session/schedule
• How to log into your expcorpsmn.org Google Workspace (use for tutoring only)
• How to access student materials in Google Classroom
• Screen sharing
• The Hub (session notes)
• Answer other technology questions

Step 4: Structured Session Live Training

Click on the dates for each session below to register and reserve your spot for live Structured Session Training. Days 1 and 2 are required prior tutoring. All sessions will be hosted on Zoom

Returning Volunteers
Day 1 - Monday, September 19 from 12 - 2 PM
Day 2 - Tuesday, September 20 from 12 - 2 PM

New Volunteers
Day 1 - Wednesday, September 21 from 12 - 2 PM
Day 2 - Thursday, September 22 from 12 - 2 PM

Need an alternative training date? New or returning volunteers are welcome to join us for:
Day 1 - Thursday, October 6 from 12-2 PM
Day 2 - Friday, October 7 from 12-2 PM

Step 5: Pre-Fluency Live Training

Click on the dates for each session below to register and reserve your spot for live Pre-Fluency Training. Days 1 and 2 are required prior to tutoring for volunteers assigned to Kindergarten and 1st grade readers. All sessions will be hosted on Zoom.
Grade level placements will be confirmed over the next month. If you told us on your Volunteer Intent Form that you are interested in working with Pre-Fluent Readers, please plan to attend.

Day 1 - Wednesday, September 28 from 9:30 - 11:30 AM
Day 2 - Thursday, September 29 from 9:30 - 11:30 AM

Step 6: Site Orientations

As tutoring site placements and schedules are confirmed, your Site Coordinator will reach out with a date for your site orientation. We expect these sessions to take place between October 3 and October 7.

We anticipate most sites will begin tutoring the week of October 10.