Do you want to help an immigrant learn English? Are you interested in building cross-cultural relationships?
Our ELL volunteer tutors are matched with a student learning English based on availability, interests, and preferences including gender, skill-level, and more. Tutors can choose to be an online-only volunteer or a hybrid volunteer. Online-only volunteers will meet a learner online via Zoom. Hybrid volunteers will meet in person at a public place, like a library or coffee shop, and online via Zoom when needed. NALC will assist the tutor and learner in finding a suitable meeting place. Tutors use an online English curriculum and learning management system, Burlington English, to deliver high-quality English lessons to learners. Other supplemental materials may be used.
Volunteer Responsibilities
- Attend an orientation and a training via Zoom (2.5 hours)
- Complete a self-paced online training (1.5 hour) and receive certificate
- Maintain communication with a learner
- Schedule weekly tutoring sessions with a learner (Note: Absences are certainly allowed for vacations, illnesses, scheduling conflicts, etc. We do understand that things come up.)
- Meet with a learner for 2-4 hours per week for a minimum of 3 months
- Creatively adapt curriculum and incorporate supplemental resources into pre-made lesson plans
- Communicate with NALC staff in a timely manner
- Keep updated notes on tutoring sessions
- Submit tutor hours after each tutoring session
Volunteer Qualifications
- Access to a laptop or desktop computer with camera (for online only tutors)
- Access to a laptop or tablet with a camera (for hybrid tutors)
- Access to a reliable internet connection
- A basic knowledge of computer skills (email, navigating websites, Google/Word documents)
- A basic knowledge of Zoom (scheduling meetings, screen sharing)
- Strong written and oral English language skills
- Patient, encouraging, and empathetic disposition
- A desire to meet someone from a different culture and help them acclimate to the greater Nashville community!
Volunteer Support
- Supplemental meetings and trainings, as needed
- Staff review of notes on tutoring sessions
- Online curriculum
- Supplemental resource bank
- Suggested materials and instructional strategies
- Continued encouragement and gratitude
