Rowan Literacy Council

SALISBURY – Rita Sims and Dan Durett have recently jumped into the Rowan County Literacy Council’s pool of tutors. Both completed an orientation and an eight-hour online training program to become certified tutors.

Sims is no stranger to adult education and volunteer work, having worked as a GED instructor at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and served as executive director of Meals on Wheels of Rowan for many years. Sims is now retired but is not the type stand back when help is needed.

“I saw in the Salisbury Post that there was a waiting list and a need for tutors with the Rowan County Literacy Council. I now have the time and feel this is a way I can give back and make a difference for someone else,” said Sims.

Durett has a master’s degree in history and recently relocated to Salisbury from Long Island. He decided to volunteer as a way to get involved in his new community.

“I’ve always been a goal-oriented individual and as a volunteer tutor with RCLC I can assist others in achieving their literacy goals,” Durett said. “As a new Salisbury resident, becoming an RCLC tutor provides me a rewarding opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to the community.”

After completing the ProLiteracy training course, Sims and Durett were assigned students. Sims and Durett have both begun tutoring students in the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program.

Sims is working with an advanced student who is studying to take the GED exam.

Laurel Harry, program coordinator, said Sims’ experience with GED students is helpful. “We have many students from other countries and students from right here in Rowan County who are working toward their GEDs,” Harry said. “It’s wonderful to have someone with Rita’s background join our team.”

Durett’s students are a husband and wife working side-by-side to improve their English.

“We are always appreciative of tutors like Dan who can work with more than one student. We currently have ten students on the waiting list and would love to get that number down to zero,” said Harry.

The Rowan County Literacy Council has been serving Rowan County since 1976 and is headquartered in the main branch of the Rowan County Public Library at 201 W. Fisher St.

RCLC a United Way Agency whose student programs are free of charge to individuals in the community.

For more information on enrolling as a student or becoming a tutor, visit the Council’s website www.rcliteracy.org, or call 704-216-8266.