Vita Education Services has a long history of delivering free instruction to adults through well-trained, volunteer tutors. Tutors can choose from three programs: Basic Literacy, English as a Second Language, or Decisions for Living.
Decisions for Living Tutoring
Decisions for Living (DFL) tutors work with inmates in the Bucks County Correctional Facilities, teaching a process that emphasizes self-awareness, personal responsibility, critical thinking, and goal setting. DFL provides inmates with tools to help them reintegrate more effectively into the community upon release. All tutor-student matches are supervised and supported by Vita’s Criminal Justice Coordinator.
Basic Literacy and English as a Second Language Tutoring
Basic Literacy tutors work with adults who want to improve basic reading, writing and math skills. Individual tutoring supports native speakers who are assessed at Beginning Literacy levels. Small group tutoring supports native speakers at Beginning ABE and Low Intermediate ABE. Small group instruction is provided in reading and writing or math.
English as a Second Language (ESL) tutors work with adults for whom English is not a first language and who wish to improve conversational and written English. It is not necessary to speak another language. The ESL tutoring program is focused on small group instruction from beginning to advanced levels. Tutors can choose to work with adults in the community or in the Bucks County Correctional Facility.
A twelve-hour training in either literacy or ESL provides tutors with an understanding of the adult learner, the techniques that will help you become an effective tutor, and the responsibilities you have as a Vita tutor. After training, tutors are individually interviewed and given a choice of tutoring opportunities. Availability, location in the community, and the tutor’s personal interests are used to determine placement.
Pennsylvania Adult Basic Literacy Education regulations require that Basic Literacy and ESL tutors have a college degree. Vita asks that our tutors commit to a minimum of two hours of tutoring per week for an eight to ten week period of time. Curriculum materials are provided that focus on the accomplishment of a specific skill such as reading, writing, math, or language improvement. Ongoing support is provided by Vita’s program coordinators.
