About Evelyn Renner

For over fourteen years, Evelyn Renner has been an consultant, and lecturer. She developed literacy and ESL ( English as a second language) materials and curriculum for community and library based literacy programs. She's been an ESL instructor, working with classes, small groups and one-to-one in industry and the nonprofit sector. She has conducted workshops, developed materials and provided consultations to clients for the management of their literacy programs, staff and volunteers; in the development and management of training projects fo both basic literacy and English as a second language; and for developing strategic plans and strategic alliances. She has written several publications used in literacy programs and adult education nationwide. She also worked with companies preparing employees for ISO 9000 certification.

Evey also developed a very innovative competency-based tutor training for the Nevada State Library and Archives in 1994.

Evey updated and rewrote LVA's (Literacy Volunteers of America) English as a Second Language Trainer's Guide to include collaborative, interactive exeractive exercises and latest theories on adult learning. She was also involved with the development of LVA's English as a Second Language Tutor Training.

In 1997 Evey introduced English as a Second Language Handbook and Trainer's Guide, to assist programs with developing their ESL Tutor training.

In 1998 she assisted author Pat Frey with updating Michigan Literacy's very popular tutor manual called LitStart.

With resources in sharp decline for most literacy programs, it became increasingly clear to Evey that to accommodate requests for on-site tutor training, creative alternatives to on-site workshops were needed. With a great partnership and cooperation of the Anaheim Public Library Adult Literacy Program, the five-hour tutor training video series, called GreatStart5®^® was produced to provide basic training for tutors using a minimum of program staff time and resources. In addition, products and services were developed that are a remarkably innovative approach to train and support students, tutors, staff and trainers. It includes intake and support materials and resources for a literacy program's tutors, students, managers and trainers.

Evey is semi-retired and living in Southern California. She spends her time providing technical support to GreatStart5® clients nationwide. At last count, over 100 programs in ten states are using GreatStart5. She continues to develop materials for program managers, trainers, tutors and students.