I've been volunteering as a teacher at Literacy Chicago since 2018, helping adults to improve their reading skills. Many of these adults are only reading at the second or third grade level. After attending a training program, it is our job as teachers to meet these students where they are and through hard work, lots of repetition and tremendous dedication, try to take them as far as their capacity to learn will take them. It is incredibly fulfilling to be a part of this organization because the students are motivated and appreciative, the leadership is incredibly supportive, and the other teachers and tutors I've met here are outstanding. read more

I started working with Literacy Chicago by participating in its intensive and excellent training program. We learned the best way to work with adults, who want to learn to read. (Note: I do not work with ESL students, so I don't know those resources). Somehow our school system has SO failed these motivated adults. Volunteers, like myself, are encouraged to develop our own lesson plans based on the level of the students and often addressing their specific deficiencies. I am completely puzzled by the negative reviews here. Curriculum? After the training, the volunteers have a lot of freedom to develop their own lesson plans. Each adult comes in at a different level, so it's not like a grade school or high school that has a specific curriculum, and that's good -- because these adult students each bring different needs to the class. There are many materials available to teachers at Literacy Chicago to choose from. Volunteers are expected to develop their own lesson plans, as I do. I looked up "Oxford University Textbooks" that Melissa (1-star reviewer) used; they are cute -- for little children, but, based on my Google search, look totally inappropriate for the adults who come to Literacy Chicago. They have pictures meant to appeal to little children. If Melissa wanted support, all she had to do was ask. I find the staff supportive and the students determined -- coming multiple days a week to learn to read. It's a wonderful experience for both volunteers and students. Please ignore these negative reviews. read more

I taught ESL at Literacy Chicago - just before the pandemic started.... I was not given any curriculum or books ... not even course syllabi. I was given a class of approximately 15 students. The students from Asia - wonderful learners - eager and enthusiastic.... The students from Europe - I was quite shocked at their behavior -some consistently texted during class and had no interest in learning...they were defiant, angry and egregious. I presented curriculum that was both challenging and creative - I used Oxford University textbooks - which I purchased. I was not given any support... horrific experience. I am much happier at City Colleges of Chicago. read more

I volunteered here for several years here and it is an excellent place. I would tell anyone who is thinking about volunteering here to do it because I really found myself looking forward to the days I would come in and tutor. Any time I had a question about anything the wonderful June Porter was there to help and guide me. I really felt that I was a part of something special because reading has always been so important to me. One person I worked with wanted to learn to read so that he could read his grandchildren a bedtime story. He was a really nice guy and hearing about how he'd made it 70+ years faking that he could read was pretty incredible and also sad. One problem that can come up is that adults have lives so homework sometimes takes a backseat. You also need to prepare yourself for how much harder it is for adults to learn to read than it is for children to learn. I learned a lot while I was tutoring here and really can't say enough good things about the place. Literacy Chicago has a lot of books and learning tools on site and the people that run it are a very hard working bunch. read more

This would be a volunteer opportunity. They teach adult literacy and also offer free workshops on things like computer skills, basic employment skills, ESL and a number of other things. I get the impression from research that they've had a big hand in spreading similar literacy organization all across Chicago and are really making a difference. Consider this a tentative review but I stopped by to get a feel for the place and these folks seem like a top notch bunch with a good attitude and a nice facility. I had to put off taking their tutoring training program until next month but I've been kicking the idea of volunteering a few hours a week to help an adult raise their reading level and I'm looking forward to the idea of working with them at least one day a week. You have to pay 25 bucks for the classes which struck me as a bit odd but maybe that's just to guarantee a commitment while offsetting costs in the event of people bailing after the fact and it's not something I can't afford. read more

I absolutely love this organization! They specialized in providing assistance to ESL and Adult Literacy students; those who can't read too well. I've been volunteering here for over a month and I absolutely can't stay away. Mrs Porter is amazing as you can tell she has a heart for the students who come in here to get assistance. I've built many relationships here and I believe I will be connected to this organization for a long time to come. read more

As a Grad Student currently enrolled in a program for teaching ESL, I was excited when I found this one. I attended the training required of all tutors--two consecutive Saturday afternoons, which was geared more toward the Literacy part of the organization than the ESL. I, however, endured. Literacy Chicago is highly unorganzied. I was promised to be assigned an individual with whom to work at the end of the training, but was not. I followed up twice and each time was asked to give my availability. After the second time, and no assignment after a month of completing the training, I gave up. Too bad. read more

Hi, my name is Manuel.I am thinking about volunteering in Literacy Chicago, but first, I would like some insight the way the process will go about. I would like to know more in regards to the training and how one is transition from training into classrooms to teach. Can you decide on what academics you want to teach? I am interested in teaching English as a second language and possibly the G.E.D in the future, considering tha I, too, obtained my G.E.D. I am a Harold Washington College student. Someone please email me with some Info on his or her past experience with Literacy Chicago. Thank You (Kanetic1337@yahoo.com) read more