What is the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project (OFLP)?
The Literacy Project is an independent nonprofit organization, governed by a volunteer board of directors. The mission is to empower adults and improve communities through teaching literacy. OFLP serves Independence, Sharp and Fulton Counties. If you live outside our service area but have not been able to find assistance through another literacy council, please contact us.
What programs are offered by OFLP?
OFLP offers basic literacy instruction to both native speakers of English, and to those for whom English is not a first language. Instruction is provided by trained volunteer tutors in a one-on-one setting.
What is required to be a tutor?
Tutors must be at least 18 years of age and possess the ability to read and speak English fluently. Tutor training is provided for volunteer tutors before being assigned to a student.
Do I need previous teaching experience?
No. OFLP will provide you with training and support.
Should a tutor know a language other than English?
Knowledge of a language other than English is not necessary.
How are tutoring assignments made?
A tutor is matched with a student, taking into account the needs, skills, goals, schedules and locations of both student and tutor.
Where does tutoring take place?
Tutoring is conducted at various public venues throughout Independence, Sharp and Fulton Counties. These include libraries, churches, schools, and other mutually agreed upon, neutral, safe sites.
How often do tutors meet with their students?
Tutors and students meet 2 hours each week. Some meet one hour twice per week, others meet two hours once per week.
Is a tutor expected to teach a certain length of time?
Tutors are asked to make a one year commitment, but exceptions are occaionally made. Please be sure to let the Literacy Project know if you will not be available for a full year.
Is there a cost for the training or tutoring?
We ask volunteers to consider a voluntary, tax-deductible contribution to OFLP to defray the cost of materials. In addition, we invite both students and tutors to pay for their books and other materials if they can do so. However, no one is ever denied the opportunity to learn or to volunteer due to costs.
What resources are available to assist me with my tutoring?
The OFLP Director is available by phone at 870-793-5912 and by email at
info@literacyindependence.org
. OFLP has a small lending library onsite, and materials for our program are also available at the White River Regional Library in Batesville, AR.
How do I track my student’s progress?
We ask that you send in a one page monthly report, which can be done
via the website
or through U.S. mail (P.O. Box 2624, Batesville, AR 72503). If you have questions about whether or not your student is progressing appropriately, please contact us.
