English at Home Tutor - Virtual or In Person

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Partner with an adult immigrant or refugee that would like to build upon their everyday English speaking, reading and writing skills. We focus on fundamental literacy skills for English learners facing barriers to attending traditional English classes, such as transportation or childcare. Our education programs are free to our clients and we couldn’t provide the level of service we do without our wonderful volunteers.

We use English Unlocked, an English language curriculum designed specifically for adult learners. We will provide you with the materials and training you and your learner need to be successful. Our program is learner-focused and seeks to build upon the different strengths that learner’s bring with them. Their goals range from: scheduling a doctor’s appointment, reading their bills, asking their child’s teacher questions, going shopping, or even reading a bedtime story in English to their child. The curriculum gives volunteers the structure they need to meet these goals.

Our volunteers encourage and support the adult learner by helping them develop confidence in their English skills. We believe the connections our volunteers make with their learners are mutually beneficial; our communities are stronger and more vibrant when we build these bonds. 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 feel that living in the Milwaukee area or another US city is crucial for the conversations our learners often have with their volunteers. Many are happy to have a person they can ask questions to about life here and get support navigating resources. For this reason, we would be unable to place volunteers from other countries who do not have significant experience living in the US.

Skills/Experience

Likes to connect with others

Feels comfortable working with individuals with varying levels of English

Works independently, yet is willing to ask questions, as needed

Seeks out educational resources and can develop teaching materials, if needed

Compassionate and culturally sensitive

Thinks on their feet and creatively problem solves as the needs of the learner evolve

Comfortable communicating in English to speakers of various levels- English speakers of all levels are welcomed and encouraged to apply

No previous experience is necessary and training is provided; however, teaching, tutoring, cross-cultural experiences and/or additional language skills are a plus

Must be 18 years old to volunteer

Technology (if meeting virtually)

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 45 minutes to 1-hour sessions, once or twice a week

Schedules will be determined based on both the learners’ and the volunteer’s availability; people meet during the week and weekend, in the morning, afternoons, or early evenings

A volunteer may work with more than one learner individually or in a small group

Training & Materials

Volunteers will receive training before being matched and will have ongoing educational opportunities to enhance their teaching techniques through periodic check ins, monthly newsletters and Volunteer MeetUps (virtual educational and collaboration time)

Volunteers and learners will be provided with hard copies of the English Unlocked curriculum

Volunteers also have access to a vast virtual and physical library of supplementary instructional material

The Impact

Here’s what one couple in our English at Home program says: "We feel lucky to have our tutor. She understands us. She treats us with respect and accommodates our schedule. We didn’t study back in Myanmar so it’s harder for us to learn now but having a good tutor does help us build our confidence and we try harder to learn. We face a language barrier but our tutor doesn’t give up on us and we appreciate her. Thank you, teacher, for your time and for being with us."

Questions?

Contact Marie Honel at: mhonel@ccmke.org