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Date: 11/17/2023
PALMER — Top Floor Learning is looking for volunteers to tutor one-on-one English language lessons after a recent increase in requested tutoring from refugees.
Located on the third floor of the Palmer Public Library, Top Floor Learning offers a variety of zero-to-low-cost educational programs and resources to adults in the Quaboag Valley and Pioneer Valley, TFL Operations Officer and Director of Adult Literacy Donna Kimball explained.
While some programs are offered in a lecture format, such as cybersecurity classes, tutoring is offered on a one-on-one basis to create a more individualized experience for the learner, Kimball said. Certain classes are offered free of charge, while others vary between $5 and $20 per class, and most are one or two hours long.
Although the organization already has an established group of tutors, most retired teachers from the region, they are unable to support the recent tutoring requests from 12 new learners in addition to their current sessions, Kimball said. As a result, the organization is asking for volunteers to teach the learners, many of whom requested English language tutoring.
In addition to the growing demand for English tutoring, Kimball stated that the Top Floor staff is also looking for volunteers to assist with their other programs, including citizenship preparation, job application assistance and high school equivalency test preparation.
“I’ll take as many people as who want to come help me out,” Kimball said, emphasizing the organization’s “great need” for more support.
The organization first began to offer tutoring services in the 1970s. After Kimball became the operations officer in 2021, Top Floor Learning reorganized to offer its current programs, she stated.
Learners at the organization range from age 16 to 90 and come in with different levels of educational need, Kimball said, highlighting that some attendees come to “brush up on skills” while others require greater assistance.
“We’re open to anybody who needs help in this area,” she said.
To sign up, tutors would first meet with Kimball to discuss their background and decide which subjects they feel comfortable teaching. Training is available for tutors who want additional lessons in a subject before they begin tutoring, Kimball stated.
Tutors are then matched with a learner who requested lessons in the same subject area and can set up a schedule to meet that works for both people. Tutoring sessions can be held at any time and location for as many sessions as the tutor and learner decide. The only requirement is that they meet for at least two hours a week, Kimball explained.
For more information about Top Floor Learning or to volunteer, contact Kimball at 413-283-2329.
Interested volunteers can also visit the organization at 1455 N. Main St.