Adult Literacy Center

The Mission

The goal of the Adult Literacy Center is to improve literacy, resulting in enhanced self-esteem, daily living, and life-long learning. The Adult Literacy Center has been part of the Drake University School of Education since 1976. The Center is staffed by volunteers from the Drake and greater Des Moines communities who are dedicated to literacy and community outreach. 

Imagine a life without reading. Here are some things our students have shared: 

“I know I can learn. I’ve never been given the chance.” 

“I cannot read street signs or maps. I want to pass a driving test.” 

“I am not sure if I have read my medicine instructions correctly.” 

“I wish I could read to my grandchildren.” 

“I cannot even help my first grader with her homework.” 

“I read so slow, I get frustrated.” 

“I just want to be normal at school.” 

“I was afraid to hold my head up and look people in the eye.” 

“If I could read and write, I could do anything.”

 

 

The Adult Learners

Persons served by the Literacy Center represent a cross-section of ethnicity and come mainly from lower income brackets. Reading skills range from pre-reading to approximately fourth grade. 

  • Currently, 70 adult students are being tutored. Many others are on a waiting list. 
  • Students are eager to learn so they can improve their job, school, and home responsibilities. 
  • 70% of the adult students are employed. They hold jobs that require only basic reading skills. 
  • 15% are learning English as a second language. 
  • On average, students remain in the program for 2 years. 
  • Students pay only a $10.00 materials fee. 

To enroll for tutoring, call 271-3982 to schedule an interview and brief assessment. 

 

 

The Tutors

All tutors are volunteers who meet for 2 one-hour, one-to-one sessions each week at the Adult Literacy Center.  They each receive 7 hours of training in multi-sensory, structured teaching of word structure for reading and spelling.  Tutors have flexible hours, Mon.–Thurs. 8:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. and Fri. 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Requirements and qualifications to be a tutor include: 

  • learns independently within a given stricture 
  • works effectively with persons from diverse backgrounds 
  • communicates respect for others 
  • recognizes and adapts to the needs of the student 
  • continues with student for at least one semester; one year commitment preferred 
  • maintains confidentiality about student 
  • maintains professional conduct at all times 
  • follows the Adult Literacy Center's stated mission, policies and procedures 

 

Our tutors tell us they enjoy many benefits from the tutoring experience: 

“My student told me that he does not feel stupid at work anymore.” 

“I can see my student gaining confidence and self-esteem.” 

“Seeing Bill’s struggle first-hand, I learned to take things one step at a time.” 

“I really feel like I am contributing.” 

“I've learned to celebrate the little victories.”

“Tutoring at the Adult Literacy Center is a valuable part of my life.” 

 

 

The Sponsors

The Literacy Center is supported by: 

  • Verizon Foundation
  • Polk County
  • Product's Inc.
  • Robert and Charllotte Janeczko 
  • EFCO Corporation 
  • Russ and Lucile Johnson 
  • Janet and Douglas Smith
  • The Underground Company
  • Drake University 

 

 

Advisory Board

  • Charllotte Janeczko
  • Dr. Robert Janeczko
  • Larry Lehman 
  • Dr. Eunice Merideth
  • Leslie Nelson
  • Angela Newhouse-Smith 
  • Jill Southworth
  • Sandra Wilkins

 

 

Contact us

Drake University 
Adult Literacy Center 
School of Education 
3206 University Avenue
Des Moines Iowa, IA 50311 

Anne Murr, Coordinator
(515) 271-3982 
anne.murr@drake.edu

 

For more information, please visit http://ncsall.gse.harvard.edu/fob/2001/murr.html.

Center Hours:

Mon.-Thurs., 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Fri., 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Tutor Orientation Sessions:

The next tutor Orientation will be January 14, 16, and 17 from 5:15 to 8 p.m. at the Drake University School of Education, 3206 University Avenue.

To become a tutor, print an application and mail it to:
Drake University Adult Literacy Center
School of Education
3206 University Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50311

For more information, contact Anne Murr at anne.murr@drake.edu.