Language Partner

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Freedom House is a temporary shelter which provides comprehensive services to individuals and families seeking asylum in the US or Canada, and to survivors of human trafficking. In addition to their physical needs, such as food, shelter and medical care, Freedom House provides residents with training to prepare for living and working in the United States, including English as a Second Language (ESL). In addition to providing access to ESL classes, we work with a committed group of volunteer Language Partners who meet residents once per week for conversation practice, to support ESL homework, or to discuss issues surrounding the resident’s personal and professional development.

For some residents, we look for Language Partners with ESL experience or training. These residents may need extra support because they are absolute or near beginners, or because their progress in class has stalled.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under guidance from staff:

• Meet with an assigned resident of Freedom House on a regular basis, usually once per week. Each meeting should last between 60-90 minutes.

• Deliver quality ESL training in accordance with accepted best practice for the sector.

• Support residents to develop self-directed-learning strategies, and point them in the way of appropriate online resources where necessary.

• Report to Freedom House staff any issues affecting the personal or professional development of the resident so that appropriate help can be provided.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Either1 years’ experience orformal training in ESL teaching.

• Experience teaching ESL to absolute or near beginner learners (preferred).

• Regular time commitment of at least 1.5 hours per week.

• Completion of volunteer application materials and submission of criminal background check.

• Attendance at 90-minute volunteer orientation.

Adherence to Freedom House's volunteer policies and guidelines.