The Learning Centers Program has a variety of volunteer opportunities working with English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students. If you are interested in any of the positions below, please contact the Director of Community Outreach at (703)-237-0866 or volunteers@lcnv.org.
Volunteer Class Teachers instruct adult ESOL students enrolled in the Learning Centers program at a specific site. The focus is on improving the students’ English skills as well as enhancing their abilities to thrive in the workplace and community. Responsibilities include:
Each class site has a lead teacher and one or more volunteer class teachers (depending upon the number of students enrolled). Some sites also have class aides. Volunteer class teachers work under the direction of the lead teacher at the specific site.
Teachers receive a curriculum and a textbook each session. However, teachers have much freedom and creativity in how they wish to teach the topics in the curriculum.
Teachers are asked to commit to a full session of classes (8-12 weeks). Classes are generally 2 hours long and offered twice per week at each site. Teachers may sign up to teach at a site once or twice per week. In addition to the 2 - 4 hours per week of class time, teachers typically spend 1 – 3 hours per class on lesson planning. Some additional time may be needed at the beginning and end of the session for meetings and administrative tasks.
Completion of LCNV’s training program or another approved program is required. The training requirement can be waived for volunteers with prior experience. No foreign language knowledge required, as all classes are conducted in English.
For more information, please contact the Director of Community Outreach at (703)-237-0866 or volunteers@lcnv.org.
Volunteer Class Aides assist teachers at a specific site with instructing adult ESOL students. Class aides assist classroom teachers by modeling learning activities and by working with students individually or in small groups who need extra help. Optionally, class aides may teach the class when a substitute is needed.
Classes are generally 2 hours long and offered twice per week at each site. Class aides may sign up to volunteer once or twice per week at a site. No experience or foreign language knowledge required. Training is not required, but class aides are welcome to attend LCNV training workshops and meetings.
For more information, please contact the Director of Community Outreach at (703)-237-0866 or volunteers@lcnv.org.
Computer Lab Aides assist adult students in using computer labs during class or for open hours. Labs are available for both ESOL and Basic Literacy students. Volunteers are asked to commit to one 2 hour shift per week for a full session (8-12 weeks). Training is provided. No lab experience is necessary, but volunteers should be knowledgeable about basic computer operation. Open lab hours exist at LCNV’s Falls Church and Alexandria sites. However, other sites are possible if volunteers wish to assist students during class lab times.
For more information, please contact the Director of Community Outreach at (703)-237-0866 or volunteers@lcnv.org.
Registrar Assistants help during scheduled registrations at the beginning of each session. They also assist with processing students who register late at various sites during the first two weeks of the session. Volunteers sign up for specific dates during the registration and add-in phases of each session, depending upon their availability. No experience is required. Training is provided.
For more information, please contact the Director of Community Outreach at (703)-237-0866 or volunteers@lcnv.org.
Student Assessment Specialists administer verbal and written assessments to students during the registration and post-testing phases of each trimester in the Learning Centers and Family Learning programs. This is a great opportunity for volunteers who want to work directly with students but can't make extended time commitments.
This position requires approximately 30 hours of volunteer time over the course of one year. This includes approximately 4-6 hours on a monthly basis (testing phases are typically scheduled 8 months out of the year).
Testing sites are located throughout Northern Virginia. Daytime and evening testing opportunities available.
Training is required. Interested volunteers can attend a training workshop held at the Literacy Council office in Falls Church. Directions can be found at http://lcnv.org/contact.cfm.
Upcoming trainings:
To register for a workshop or for more information, please contact the Director of Community Outreach at volunteers@lcnv.org or (703) 237-0866.
Substitute Teachers instruct classes when assigned teachers are unable to teach. Substitutes indicate their site and scheduling preferences.
For more information, please contact the Director of Community Outreach at (703)-237-0866 or volunteers@lcnv.org.
