Reading Works, Inc. is a community-based adult literacy program in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  We serve  adults who live in Bernalillo County — the greater Albuquerque area.    Reading Works provides free tutoring to adults in three core literacy areas:  basic literacy (reading and writing); English as a Second Language instruction; and, GED examination preparation.

Our volunteer tutors are trained by the New Mexico Coalition for Literacy.  Each tutor tailors a course of study to his or her learner — with an emphasis on helping the learner reach  specific life goals — like obtaining a driver's license, filling out a medical history form, or applying for United States citizenship.   Tutors and learners work as  a team. 

Reading Works relies on volunteers.  There are many ways you can help.  If you are interested, just go to the CONTACT US section of this website or phone us at (505) 321-9620.  Volunteering with Reading Works is highly rewarding and fun.

Basic Literacy or English as Second Language Tutor

A basic literacy tutor teaches native English speakers to read and write.  An English as Second Language (ESL) tutor teaches someone from another country how to speak, understand, read, and write English.  You will meet with an adult student two hours a week -- expect another two hours each week in preparation and paperwork.  We provide support and help for all our tutors.  Training:  16 hour course plus First Lesson Workshop.

Wait-List Tutor

Requires less time than a Basic or ESL Tutor.  You will meet one hour a week with an adult student who is waiting for a permanent tutor placement.  We will provide you with materials for your lessons.  Training:  4 hour Workshop.

Conversation Partner

You will meet with an ESL student one hour a week to converse in English.  We will teach you some techniques for ESL conversation.  Training:  1 hour workshop.

Mathematics Tutor

Perfect for an engineer or someone with a strong math background.  You will meet with an adult student two hours a week -- expect another two hours each week in preparation and paperwork.  You will be teaching basic math skills, fractions, geometry, or algebra -- most likely to someone preparing to take the GED exam.

Computer Instructor

You will meet with one or two adult students in our Computer Lab, teaching Word and Excel.  We use a specialized teaching program so you will not have to create a curriculum. The time commitment is one to three hours a week, depending on how much time to want to devote.

Librarian

Reading Works has a fully automated library catalog system.  You will be responsible for maintaining the catalog system and shelving materials.  Once you learn how to use the software system, the time commitment is two hours a month.  Training:  individualized instruction on the software plus at-home CD instruction.

Bookkeeper

You will assist the Treasurer by maintaining our books on a Quickbook system.  Once you learn the software system, the time commitment is two to three hours a month.

Newsletter

Reading Works publishes an electronic newsletter four times a year.  You would be responsible for writing, editing and formatting the newsletter.  Once you learn the formatting software, the time commitment is six hours every three months.

Speakers Bureau

You can assist the Board of Directors by either speaking at civic groups or even better locating groups who want to hear about adult literacy and Reading Works.  The time commitment is two hours a month.

Partnership Scout

Reading Works succeeds because it works closely with other agencies -- this is what makes a community based program work.  You will help us identify agencies who may want to collaborate with Reading Works.  Perfect for someone who does not like to sit in an office and who is interested in the community.  Time commitment:  one to two hours a month.

Lollipops for Literacy® Coordinator

To raise funds, Reading Works sells qualify lollipops at stores, dry-cleaners, book shops.  You would be responsible for locating vendors who will allow a display in their shops and to manage the displays.    Plus if you can rally our other volunteers to take on a display that would be great!  Time commitment depends on your schedule.