Tutor Milwaukee Refugee Children (K4-5) - Virtual or In Person

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Provide this support to students from refugee families and help them to improve their skills and reach their educational goals. Volunteering with children can be one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences.

Tutors are needed for all grade levels (K4 through 5 th grade).

What you'll be doing:

Sessions are learner-focused. We will provide resources, but you will be responsible for developing lessons that maximize student strengths and encourage them to find a love of learning!

During your session, you will get to know the student and work on a variety of topics including:

• Math
• Reading and reading comprehension
• Writing
• Understanding and completing class assignments
• Discussing topics like kids’ magazines, school and homework, and playing spelling and word games
• Word Recognition
• Developing Studying Skills and Habits

Our volunteers are instrumental in encouraging and supporting the students by helping them develop confidence and a positive attitude about education. You will make a difference by providing the tools for success!

Please also note: Due to the time it takes to complete training and to find a learner who is a good match, this is not a quick-start opportunity, and we generally ask for a 6-month minimum commitment. For our roles, we do feel that living in Milwaukee/ Wisconsin/ the United States is crucial the conversations that we have with our learners. Many are just starting to feel at ease in their new environment and beginning to have questions about life here. With that being said, we would be unable to place volunteers from other countries.

Skills/ Experience

• Likes to connect with others
• Is engaging, fun, energetic, and able to create meaningful connections virtually
• Is compassionate and culturally sensitive
• Feels comfortable working with individuals with varying levels of English
• Can work independently; however, also are willing to ask questions, as needed.
• Think on their feet and creatively problem solve as the needs of the learner changes
• Must be comfortable communicating in English- English speakers of all levels are welcomed and encouraged to apply
• No previous experience is necessary; training is provided. Teaching, tutoring, cross-cultural experiences or additional language skills are a plus
• Must be 18 years old to volunteer

Technology

• Have access to a computer/tablet/phone with a webcam feature and reliable internet
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Zoom, WhatsApp or FaceTime

Time Commitment

• 1-2 hours per week; most learners are looking for 30 minutes to 1-hour sessions, once or twice a week
• We work with your schedule- Volunteer shifts are available Monday-Friday after 2:15 and on the weekends.
• A volunteer may work with more than one learner individually, if the volunteer wishes

Training

Volunteers will receive training before being matched and will have ongoing educational opportunities to enhance their teaching techniques and learning activities.

Volunteers receive regular staff support through periodic check ins, monthly newsletters and Volunteer Meet Ups (virtual educational and collaboration time). They also have access to a vast library of instructional material.

Questions?

Please contact:

Marie Honel: mhonel@ccmke.org

The Impact

While refugee and immigrant parents are passionate about their children’s education, many believe they cannot effectively help with their children with homework because they grew up in a different educational system and/or struggle with English themselves. It is helpful for refugee and immigrant youth to have additional adults in their life to talk, especially those with first-hand knowledge of navigating the U.S. school system or come from an immigrant background themselves. Volunteers will act as positive and supportive presence in the lives of refugee and immigrant families.

All of our programs are free to our clients, and we couldn’t provide the level of service we do without the help of our wonderful volunteers. We believe the connections our volunteers make with their clients are mutually beneficial and make our communities stronger and more vibrant.