New! Volunteer Foundations Training

All volunteers in adult education, regardless of their role, should receive the training and support that they need in order to feel comfortable and to provide effective service to learners. In order to support learners, volunteers and programs, the Minnesota Department of Education has updated their Volunteer Training Standards Policy. (Download a copy of the policy.)

There are now two options for volunteer training: a 4-hour option and a 12-hour option. Which option volunteers will need is dependent on their volunteer role. Each option consists of at least one Core Training Module which covers the essentials of adult education culture and teaching practices, and at least one Targeted Training Module which volunteers can select based on the level of learners or specific skill the volunteer is teaching.

The 12-hour Foundations of Adult Tutoring Training is designed for volunteers who are teaching independently of a professional teacher. These roles might include lead teachers or one-on-one tutors.

This training consists of six modules:

Core Training Module 1: Overview of MN Adult Education and ABE Accountability (2 hours)
Core Training Module 2: Understanding Adult Learners (2 hours)
Core Training Module 3: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Students (2 hours)
Core Training Module 4: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Materials (2 hours)
Two Targeted Training Modules based on need (4 hours)

The 4-hour Foundations of Volunteering in the Adult Education Classroom Training is designed for volunteers who are working under the supervision of a professional teacher. These roles might include classroom assistants, conversation partners, or citizenship tutors.

This training consists of two modules:

Core Training Module 2: Understanding Adult Learners (2 hours)
One Targeted Training Module based on need (2 hours)

Learn more about the modules, including recommendations for Targeted Training Modules based on level and/or skill, at Literacy Minnesota’s Volunteer Training Foundations page.

All Core and Targeted Training Modules are available as webinars, and can be found on Literacy Minnesota’s Volunteer Training Calendar.

Questions about the Volunteer Foundations Training? Contact Rob Podlasek at [email protected].