Literacy Program

Welcome to the John A. Logan College site for the Literacy Program within the Adult Basic/Secondary Education department. All of the programs within the department are centered upon the education and support service needs of the adult learner. We are committed to serving adults from the most basic literacy learner to those completing a high school diploma or GED. Please call if we can help you or someone you know.

What is the Literacy Program?

The Literacy Program at John A. Logan College offers Adult volunteer and family literacy to adults and children in the College district. With the help of trained volunteers, both programs are centered upon improving the literacy levels of each individual while understanding their unique needs and goals. We are the sole provider of volunteer-based, flexible, student centered, confidential, free adult literacy services. The services include:

Volunteer Literacy

  • basic reading and math testing
  • private, one-to-one tutoring
  • classroom tutoring
  • career counseling
  • job readiness
  • parenting skills
  • English as a Second Language
  • referrals for support services
  • basic use of computers

Family Literacy

  • reading and math help for families
  • library skills for children and adults
  • take home story and learning kits
  • parents teaching children activities
  • family educational field trips
  • after school tutoring of at-risk children
  • computer skills and software use

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What do Volunteers do?

Many things. Some tutor one-to-one in their own communities; others help out in adult education classrooms; others work with small groups, including families; and others help students learn English as a second language. Some, "resource volunteers," help raise funds, act as office workers, promote literacy at special events, work with the children of parent students, and generally fill in where there is a need. Everyone is part of a team working to bring literacy to the families of the area.

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What is required of a volunteer?

We ask that volunteers participate in a total of 16 hours of initial training and then take advantage of continuing training opportunities in specialized topics. After training and being matched, a volunteer will usually meet with a learner two times a week for a total of 2-3 hours. We ask that the volunteer commit to the program for at least six months and participate in volunteer support workshops in their community. We also require that volunteers keep track of their hours and their learner's progress, and then report the information four times a year.

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How is a tutor matched with a learner?

We take our time to insure good matches. Often we consult with others including teachers, family members, and people from human service agencies. We consider schedules, personal preferences, strengths and special needs, personalities, and our own intuition and experience. Sometimes it doesn't work out on the first try. We learn from the experience and then try again. Patience and patience are "two" important qualities in this field. Taking care of problems as soon as they arise is also important.

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Who are the staff?

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How do I reach them?

Contact Information
City Location Telephone Contact Person(s)
Carterville John A. Logan College 1-800-851-4720,
(618) 985-3741,
(618) 549-7335,
(618) 937-3438,
(618) 542-8612,
TTY (618) 985-2752		 Extension: 8442
Sharon Colombo
Carterville John A. Logan College "same as above" Extension: 8252
Rosalind Johnson
Carterville John A. Logan College "same as above" Extension: 8433
Kaye Howell
Elkville Elkville Civic Center (618) 568-1881 Pam Collins
Du Quoin Alongi Du Quoin Extension Center (618) 542-9210 Pam Collins
Marion 1129 N. Carbon Street (618) 997-1991 Stachia Cullers
Michelle Guy
Murphysboro 223 S. 13th St. (618) 687-2341 Extension: 206
Marti Crothers
West Frankfort Route 37 North (618) 932-8937 Amy Durfee

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