Volunteer

Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering for our English program

Requirements and Experience

Q: Do volunteers need a certain level of experience or certifications?

A: Training and/or experience with teaching English Language Learners is preferred for the English Teacher role. However, all other volunteer roles do not require any specific training or experience.

Q: What is the time commitment for volunteers (a session, a year, etc.)?

A: There is not a set-in-stone time commitment for volunteers, however one’s time commitment may influence what roles are available to them. 

Q: Is there a minimum age requirement to volunteer?

A: No, there is no minimum age requirement to volunteer; however, volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when volunteering.

Q: Do I need to speak another language in order to volunteer?

A: While speaking another language would be a great benefit, it is not required for any of our volunteer roles. English is the primary form of communication since our classes are multilingual and not separated by first language.

Class Schedule

Q: What is the typical schedule for volunteers?

A: English classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the following times:

• Morning: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• Evening: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Volunteers should aim to arrive 10 to20 minutes before class starts for preparation and expect to stay 10 to 20 minutes after class ends for cleanup. Volunteers are not required to be present for both the morning and evening sessions.

Q: How is the class time structured?

A: Both the morning and evening classes are two hours long. Classes are expected to take a 10-minute break around the middle of the class (approximately 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.).

Class Organization and Students

Q: What are the primary differences between the English Teacher and English Teacher Assistant roles?

A: The primary difference between the roles is that the English Teacher is expected to be the leader of the classroom, planning and implementing the curriculum and so forth, while the Assistant is there to help the teacher facilitate the class and help students as needed. The dynamic between these two roles can vary based on the class and the individuals in those roles. 

Q: What does the English Tutor role involve? 

A: The role of the English Tutor is to work with students one-on-one whereas the English Teacher/Assistant works in the classroom with multiple students. The English Tutor can work with students who are struggling and need additional help or students who are excelling in their classes and need an additional challenge. 

Q: How are the classes organized?

A: Students are grouped based on their experience and proficiency using English. Class sizes may vary. Each class is assigned one English Teacher and at least one English Teacher Assistant. Larger classes may have additional assistants. Assistants without a designated class may float to classes as needed or work as an English Tutor using a one-on-one approach with students.

Q: What materials and resources will be provided to me for teaching or assisting?

A: Teachers and assistants will be provided with all the materials and resources available to them. Licenses to access the curriculum, whiteboards, print outs, markers, pencils, pens, etc. Volunteers are welcome to bring in their own materials or resources if they are willing, but it is not expected or required. 

Q: What can I expect from the students?

A: Our students are a unique collective of individuals from around the world, covering a wide range of first languages, experiences, ages, and different levels of English language proficiency.