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Schools are opening all across the country once again, and teachers and students are settling in to their new year's routine. Likewise, we have some volunteers returning to our training programs along with our new arrivals.
So you've signed up to volunteer and got sent a link to a training site. What now? Well, the good news is that the site begins with a lesson on lessons. So, start reading! (You'll be doing an awful lot of reading as a Learning Ally volunteer, so you may as well start now.) One of the most important things you'll find is a short (less than five minute) video: How To Use This Course. If you don't see it right away, just scroll down the page a little. The following image is what one of these videos looks like and they can be found in the Textbook and Storyteller courses in our Virtual Training Center.
The training video will explain the different parts of the lessons, what kind of content you'll find there, how to complete lessons and move forward. Note that some of the steps are automatically completed by reading lessons, watching videos, and interacting with links, but there are some steps (like auditions) that require feedback from a staff member or peer reviewer.
Need more information? Visit the Course Resources page for Textbook or Storyteller training. It's a library of documents and links that we'll refer to throughout our training program.
Don't forget, Learning Ally staff are online to answer your questions live on alternating Wednesdays at 2 PM EST. You'll find links, and more information on the training site.
William C., Tammy L., Suzanne M., Shiou-Yun L., Sally W., Patrick M., Misty R., Marli W., Lorraine G., Lora R., Linda W., Kelly G., Kay A., Kathy O., Kari W., John C., James T., Gary C., Daoud B., Christine W., Chelle C., Blake V., Beth K., Asha L., April C., Andrea H., Amy S., Amy B., Alex M., A. B., Timothy S., Rebecca D., Emma M.
Shelley Cincotta
What do you do at Learning Ally?
As part of the Literature community, I am happy to be narrating children’s books and I am learning a lot from the other volunteers in the virtual literary salon.
As a checker in the Textbook community, I have listened to many well-spoken narrators! This summer, I joined the textbook pre-production pilot where I am writing project guidelines for textbooks, mostly English textbooks. I have also helped to update the project guideline template to make it easier to use.
How long have you volunteered at Learning Ally?
I started volunteering at Learning Ally in Fall 2018.
What made you want to volunteer at Learning Ally?
My son is dyslexic and, for the past five years, he has used the LA app to read higher level books. He listens to LA books almost every day. I wanted to contribute to this great cause to help children with learning differences love reading. I enjoy reading to my son and wanted to “read” to other children by narrating books.
What's something most people at LA don't know about you?
I enjoy hiking and have hiked in ten National Parks so far. My goal is to hike in all National Parks in the US. Also, I would love to work for LA as part of the staff.
What do you like most about volunteering at LA?
Because it is a virtual working environment, I can work on my own time and at my own pace. I like interacting with the staff and other volunteers on hangouts. Everyone is extremely nice!!
Do you have any advice for prospective LA volunteers?
You can find a niche for yourself in any of the writing, editing, narrating opportunities.
What is your favorite audiobook/ book if you have any?
I enjoy listening, with my son, to the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan.
What do you do during your free time?
I like to spend as much time as I can with my family at the ocean, swimming, kayaking, walking, and eating ice cream.
What is your Favorite movie or TV series?
Lately, I have been watching the Jack Ryan series on Amazon.