CTC Program Building and Teaching Assistant
Organization:
Durham Literacy Center Inc. VISTA Name:
Shlonda Brouchet
Program Start:
4/2001
Program End:
4/2003
Project Description:
1. Recruit, train and support technology volunteers to help students use computers.
2. Access and acquire computer hardware and software
3. Write and publish Computer-Assisted Literacy training manuals in English and Spanish - in paper and on the web.
4. Develop a sustainable GED distance learning program
5. Solicit, procure, and upgrade used laptop computers to be loaned to homebound or disabled students.
6. Evaluate the life impact of increased technology use on literacy and English language clients.
Project Outcome:
As an Americorps Vista volunteer, Shlonda has supported and enhanced four Durham County Literacy Council (DCLC) projects; the Parent’s Part Family Literacy Project, Techcelerated Pre-GED and GED, PC Basics, English as a Second Language and has gained valuable experience as a teacher and trainer. She has recruited and trained volunteers to teach or assist in all projects. The VISTA has maintained a working relationship with partner sites CET, NCCU and the YMCA.
Shlonda successfully taught Parents’ Part in Cornwallis Road public housing neighborhood in Durham, NC.
At the Durham Literacy Council’s main office, Shlonda taught students by using technology-assisted GED software.
As a tutor Shlonda has taught ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes, which includes creating lesson plans, leading small group conversations and trained new tutors to teach the traditional and computer-assisted ESL software.
Shlonda has been instrumental in establishing and maintaining an after school program for Kestrel Heights Charter School.
Shlonda has improved technical support at the Literacy Council, Kestrel Heights Charter School and assisted in maintaining and installing computers in all labs.
Career Passport is a portfolio or notebook containing documents certifying you have met specific academic and workplace standards. The latest implementation is the Internet career interest/personality inventory. Shlonda is the field test manager of this project and has successful coached 4 individuals in completing their portfolio. Shlonda expanded upon DLC’s Career Passport by initiating mini-workshops with focus areas such as “Preparing for the Job Interview.” The project is now nationally recognized and endorsed by the Literacy Volunteers of America. The Career Passport can be found on the LVA’s Promising Practice website.