PJ Richards, Tutor for Stillwater Literacy Council
1. Can you share a personal story or experience that has had a significant impact on your commitment to adult literacy?
Working with my first student was a bit of a challenge but helping him to research and consider a training program for a potential job showed me how important it is to be able to navigate through a process that is only possible if you can read and understand what is required to reach that goal. It didn't work out for that student but at least he was able to access the information to make that decision.
2. How do you personally stay motivated and engaged in your work, especially during challenging times?
With both of my current students their motivation is what drives me, they are both committed to our meetings. One is more structured as we pick a book and alternate reading chapters and the other is more relaxed, discussing culture and personal experiences.
3. Can you describe the specific programs and services your organization offers to support adult learners and promote literacy skills (i.e., ESL, Literacy, Citizenship, HSE, Digital, Health, and how they are delivered, i.e., one-on-one, small groups, classes)?
With the student that we read a book together, the second book we picked was "The 5 Second Rule" point of the book is to not overthink or procrastinate on an action but to make up your mind quickly and carry through right away. In this case the book motivated both of us to act on something we'd been thinking about doing, in my case it was to submit a proposal for a class I wanted to teach through the local OLLI program and for her it was to approach her boss to ask them to start the process to get her a green card as their employee. And it turns out we did it both the same week!
4. Could you share a specific success story of an adult learner who has gone through your program and achieved significant
With one student we agree on a book, she reads a chapter aloud and then I read the next chapter. It is motivating because the book is something we are both interested in and completing the book is a shared goal. We are currently on our 7th book.
5. What is your most effective method to recruit new students?
NA
6. How do you keep your current students engaged so that they keep attending classes?
NA
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