M&O Literacy Council volunteer named Wisconsin Literacy Instructor of the Year

MARINETTE – The Wisconsin Literacies Forward Conference was held in Appleton on Sept. 28 and Sept. 29. Presented by Wisconsin Literacies and the Correctional Education Association of Wisconsin, this conference aimed to highlight advancements in adult, corrections and family education

During the event, six awards were given out to students, volunteers, programs, businesses and advocates working in the adult literacy field, celebrating the “dedication and innovation happening across the state of Wisconsin and the difference the honorees are making in the lives of limited literacy individuals,” Wisconsin Literacies explained.

The Literacy Instructor of the Year award was presented to Sylvia Sue Zane of Marinette in recognition of her achievements through the Marinette and Oconto Counties (M&O) Literacy Council, Inc.
The M&O Literacy Council was developed in 2012 by Janet Glime, who was inspired by interactions she had as a nurse to collaborate with literacy advocates and create this resource.

“The council serves English language learners in [Marinette and Oconto counties] who want to improve their reading, writing, comprehension, English speaking, math or other skills. The M&O Literacy Council invites volunteers from all walks of life to become tutors,” their website explained.

Zane spoke about her involvement with the group, sharing, “I’m retired, and I was just looking for something to do after Covid. There was an article in the newspaper asking for volunteers to work with people who were looking to learn English as a second language.”

As a volunteer, Zane is one of a few dozen volunteers across the coverage region that donates their time as a tutor. Volunteers are paired with adult immigrants from countries like Haiti, France, Spain and Mongolia to help them learn English so they can secure gainful employment.

While volunteers typically work one-on-one, Zane currently tutors three adult learners. During a tutoring session Zane will pick up her students and drive them to the Stephenson Public Library for a weekly one-hour meeting.

“We review the alphabet. We review English words and practice writing English words. We review maps of the United States to learn the various states and the Great Lakes. We’ve gone over money, colors and numbers,” she explained.

Zane’s work has not only resulted in all of her students achieving gainful employment, but has also led to lasting friendships.

“[My students have] become great friends with me, all of them. I’ve helped plan a wedding, and one couple had a baby. I’ve attended birthday parties, graduations, a baby shower and we’ve gone to the park. They came to my house after I had surgery to make sure I was okay. They’re very loving people and I consider them friends,” she shared.

Reflecting on the work she has done and will continue to do, Zane said, “I find it very rewarding… They see my excitement when I’m acknowledging that they are progressing and they get excited.”

The M&O Literacy Council will host a class on becoming a literacy tutor on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Farnsworth Public Library in Oconto.

For more information, visit https://moliteracycouncil.org/ or call Janet Glime at (920) 373-1035.