ONE-TO-ONE TUTOR: After completing three training workshops (three 3-hour sessions) to fully prepare you for this rewarding volunteer role, you will be matched with an adult learner in your area. You and your learner will meet weekly and work together to accomplish your learner's specific personal and professional goals. This is a 1.5 to 2-hour weekly commitment for one year or 100 tutoring hours.
CONVERSATION GROUP FACILITATOR: After being trained in a three-hour workshop, you will co-facilitate weekly group meetings to help intermediate/advanced ESOL learners practice their English conversation skills. This is a weekly, 2-hour commitment for a minimum of three months.
BEGINNER ENGLISH CLASS SUPPORT VOLUNTEER (in person): Support volunteers provide occasional mentoring and teaching support to Tufts University student volunteers who teach Beginner English classes from October to April on the Tufts Medford Campus. If you have ESL teaching certification or experience, and would like to support the student volunteers with classroom observations and feedback once or twice during the fall and spring semesters, please contact EAL staff directly. This volunteer role requires a total commitment of 6 to 8 hours during the academic year.
BEGINNER ENGLISH CO-TEACHER (in person): To meet the increasing demand for Beginner level English instruction, English At Large is broadening its Beginner English program to serve more communities in our service area. We currently offer free in-person Beginner English classes in Medford (at Tufts University) and Acton, with plans to expand to other towns in 2024. English At Large has developed a full academic year curriculum of basic English survival and communication skills, with teaching notes included. The 90-minute classes meet twice weekly for 10- to12-week semesters, and are co-taught by pairs of EAL volunteers. Each co-teacher teaches with their assigned partner one day a week, for one or two semesters. Teaching experience is not required for this position, but teachers should have a moderate to high comfort level with Google Slides and internet technology.
PROGRAM FOR REFUGEE LEARNERS (online): Work with a small team of volunteers to co-teach an online Beginner English class to refugees who have been recently resettled in the Boston area. This 12-week class meets twice weekly for 90 minutes, and serves learners primarily from Afghanistan and Ukraine. Instruction includes an introduction to the English alphabet, and survival English. EAL provides a full curriculum with teaching instructions, initial training for volunteers, and ongoing support. Volunteers should have familiarity with Zoom technology and Google Slides. [NOTE: THIS PROGRAM IS NOT OFFERED AT THIS TIME]
CAREER ACCESS LAB (CAL) VOLUNTEER: CAL volunteers help learners enrolled in the CAL program to develop their career readiness and workplace skills. During the 15-week program, volunteers mentor learners during Mock Interview events and Resume Review sessions, and lend their expertise on a variety of workplace topics (e.g., crafting a professional introduction, networking, and building a LinkedIn profile). CAL volunteers choose their mentoring role, and commit to 2-3 hours per event.
INTAKE ASSESSOR: After attending a three-hour training class, you will interview prospective learners who are waiting to join the tutoring program, test their English level, and write a short summary of your interview. You will also conduct a short exit interview with learners as they graduate from the tutoring program. This is a flexible role that requires a minimum of five learner interviews per intake cycle.
BEST PLUS SPEAKING/LISTENING STANDARDIZED TEST ASSESSOR: Best Plus test assessors meet with learners at the start and completion of their tutoring to administer a 20-minute standardized speaking test that measures speaking proficiency level. Volunteer Assessors attend a SABES training and complete a certification test. Tests are administered during the learner's tutoring session at area libraries, within a comfortable travel radius. This flexible volunteer role involves personal interaction with learners of all levels, and requires a friendly demeanor and ability to put learners at ease.
SUMMER BOOK GROUP DISCUSSION LEADER: EAL book groups strengthen English reading, speaking and writing skills. Groups of 6-10 learners and a discussion leader meet weekly for 1.5 hours for a six-week summer session. The Book Group Leader facilitates open discussion among all the group members, plans activities that provide speaking practice, and manages the flow and content of the discussion. Discussion Leaders attend a two-hour, one-time training session at English At Large.
