Certification at a Glance
ProLiteracy certifies people to train others as basic literacy tutors, English as a second language (ESL) tutors, or both. This nationally recognized certification service provides ongoing trainer development opportunities, communication with a national trainer network, recognition, and credibility.
ProLiteracy's Trainer Certification System improves the quality of instruction and tutoring for students by certifying trainers who demonstrate proficiency in content and training skills.
How Does Trainer Certification Work?
The certification system is competency-based, locally driven, and flexible. Certification is based on three accomplishments:
- Securing the endorsement of a local or state-level adult education or literacy organization
- Successfully completing a content examination
- Demonstrating a set of defined training competencies
Who May Apply for Trainer Certification?
New and experienced tutor trainers may apply for certification. Applicants typically have:
- experience tutoring or teaching in adult education or literacy;
- an academic background in the adult literacy field; or
- training experience in nonprofit, school, government, or business environments.
The commitment for successful attainment of trainer certification lies with both the state or local organization's staff and the trainer. Staff provides support, feedback, and training opportunities, and trainers work toward mastery of the content and training competencies. For this reason, all applicants for trainer certification must be endorsed and supported by a state or local organization.
Content Knowledge and Trainer Competencies
To guide trainers and state or local organizations, ProLiteracy identified core components for basic literacy and ESL tutor training. Content knowledge is based on what the volunteer literacy network traditionally offers volunteers and staff in state and national models, as well as current research in basic literacy and ESL.
Trainer competencies are statements of behavior-not personality traits or beliefs-that have been reviewed by an external group and reflect commonly accepted standards in the field of professional training and development.
For more information, e-mail
[email protected] or call 315-422-9121, ext. 221.