Carmen Jimenez/For the Appeal Phillips, right, instructs those interested in tutoring June 3. She is the coordinator of the program. More tutors are needed.
An English-language training program that started in 2004 has more than 28 tutors, but needs even more to help the 40-plus students remaining on the waiting list learn English.
The tutor training, run through the English as a second language in-home program, is organized by Florence Phillips.
Even though some 20 people showed up for the June 3 training session, only half followed through and registered to be placed with a student. Still, the interest was high, and Phillips held a second training session June 17. About 12 people attended, with about half committing.
More tutors are needed. According to Phillips, there are more than 6,000 immigrants in Nevada who speak little or no English.
Training and materials for tutors are free. The In-Home program is funded in part with help from the Ron Wood Family Resource Center and Nevada Hispanic Services Inc. Phillips continuously seeks funding, particularly to help cover the cost of the Laubach training materials.
The "Laubach Way to English" is a method used worldwide to teach students English, including those with the Peace Corps program.
The in-home program allows those who are disabled or lacking transportation to receive training at home. Tutors are asked to meet with students twice a week for one- to two- hour sessions.
Since its inception, 28 tutors have been matched with 47 students. Forty-six students remain on a waiting list.
To be trained as a tutor, call Phillips at 888-2021.