Tutor Milwaukee Refugee Children (K4-8th) - Virtual or In Person

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Support youth from refugee and immigrant families so that they become confident speakers, readers, and writers of English! English learners (ELs) are often given homework that is too hard for them to complete because they are not yet strong enough in English fundamentals. You can make a difference in the life of a child through this program that focuses on basic vocabulary, the alphabet, numbers, and reading. Strengthening these areas will give ELs the foundation they need to be successful at school!

Catholic Charities partners with Humboldt Park Elementary School (3230 South Adams Avenue, Milwaukee), and Zablocki Community School (1016 West Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee), to match ELs most in need of support with volunteers passionate about education. Volunteers at Humboldt Park will work at school with groups of 3-4 students once or twice a week for 45 minutes. Volunteers with Zablocki School will work one-on-one with a student virtually twice a week for 30 minutes each session or at the student’s home once a week for an hour.

We will provide training and resources, but you will be responsible for teaching in a way that maximizes student strengths and encourages a love of learning! You will make a difference by building a positive relationship with an elementary school student and helping them advance their English!

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. We generally ask for a 6-month minimum commitment, ideally through the end of the 2022-2023 school year.

Skills/ Experience

Likes to connect with others

Is engaging, fun, energetic, and able to create meaningful connections

Is compassionate and culturally sensitive

Feels comfortable working with individuals with varying levels of English

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

Thinks on their feet and creatively problem solve as the needs of the learner changes

People who were English language learners as children themselves or grew-up in immigrant families are encouraged to apply

Is 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; training is provided. Teaching, tutoring, cross-cultural experiences or additional language skills are a plus

Must be 18 years old to volunteer alone or 16 to volunteer with the volunteer’s parent present

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

Virtual: Two 30-minute sessions per week, plus prep time

In-Person: One or two 45-minute or one-hour sessions per week, plus prep time

Schedule

Zablocki School options are virtual or in-person tutoring at the youth’s home. Volunteering is flexible and can be on weekdays after school or on weekends.

The Humboldt Park School option is in-person only at the school, once or twice a week for 45 minutes. Tutors at Humboldt Park School can volunteer on these days and times: Mondays and/or Wednesdays from 4:15pm - 5:00pm.

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 that include virtual educational and collaboration time.

Slide decks are provided for the first 16 weeks and then support is provided so that you can create your own lessons.

The Impact

While refugee and immigrant parents are passionate about their children’s education, many believe they cannot effectively help their children with homework because they grew up in a different educational system and/or struggle with English themselves. During the 2021-2022 school year, parents with children in this program noted improvements in their children’s reading comprehension and decoding skills, plus a boost in their overall confidence in speaking English improved. 89% of parents wanted their youth to participate in this program for the upcoming school year.

All of our programs are free to our refugee & immigrant learners, 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 learners are mutually beneficial and make our communities stronger and more vibrant.

Questions?

Contact Marie Honel at mhonel@ccmke.org