Volunteer Opportunities (EAL has resumed in-person learner instruction for most programs. PAL Beginner English and Career Access Lab programs remain online until further notice)
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 weekly, 1.5 to 2- hour commitment for a minimum of 50 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.
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.
TEST ADMINISTRATOR: After attending a formal state-certified training, you will administer standardized listening/speaking or reading/writing tests to our learners. This is a flexible role that requires up to five assessments during our two annual testing periods.
BEGINNER ENGLISH PROGRAM: EAL Beginner English classes are taught by Tufts University student volunteers on the Tufts campus. The evening classes meet twice weekly for 1.5 hours. If you have ESL teaching certification or experience and would like to support the student volunteer teachers with observations and feedback, please contact EAL staff directly.
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.
PROGRAM FOR AFGHAN LEARNERS (PAL): An intensive basic English communication skills class delivered online by a team of EAL volunteers. Volunteers commit to co-teaching ONE weekly 90-minute class with another volunteer. Volunteers receive training and ongoing support from EAL staff and from experts on trauma-informed teaching. This new learner program will be piloted as a 6-week class in summer 2022, with the goal of expanding it to a longer program in fall 2022.