Volunteer English Teacher

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Located in the Frogtown neighborhood of Saint Paul, the Wilder Center for Social Healing offers a place for Southeast Asian adults to gather for support, fellowship, shared meals and healing. These are all important for people who immigrate to or seek refuge or asylum in the U.S. and who are trying to adjust to a new way of living. Our weekly facilitator-led programming is provided for culturally-specific groups either onsite or out at community activities and includes time to socialize over a meal.

We hear from Center for Social Healing participants that they would like to gain confidence and skills in English, so we are seeking a Volunteer English Teacher. After conversation with center staff, you will prepare plans for our participants and then lead English class with one of our groups.

Responsibilities:

* Prepare the lesson plan or topic prior to your volunteer shift each week and connect with your supervisorregarding future plans * Provide a 1-hour lesson that involves English language speaking, listening, and reading * Help set up and cleanup activities, if applicable * Foster a welcoming environment by engaging in conversation with participants * Communicate with program staff regarding any supply needs for the activity (Wilder may have budget available to purchase supplies) * Join our group for lunch and continue informal conversation and relationship building * Report any participant concerns or observations to your volunteer supervisor

Qualifications:

* Be 18 years of age or older. * Ability to interact with and assist people of varying backgrounds, cultures and identities, including race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, ability, gender, gender expression, religion, etc. * Complete a criminal background check (Wilder covers the cost). * Attend free 12-hour training series with Literacy MN before beginning. Volunteers with a teaching license or other credentials may be exempt. * Experience teaching or presenting is preferred but not required. * Preference for a volunteer who speaks one of the languages primarily spoken in our four groups: Khmer or Karen. Interpreters are available if needed. * Comfort presenting to a group of up to 15 participants, plus program staff. Size varies based on the group, but is usually 10-15 people. * Highly respectful of confidentiality. * Strong customer service and interpersonal skills to build rapport with participants. * Dependable and punctual. * Practice patience with participants and staff.

Benefits to Volunteering:

* Build relationships with Wilder Center for Social Healing participants and staff. * Have a direct impact on your local community members by providing engaging programming that they have requested. * Support our staff by providing supplemental content for their programming.

Schedule and Location:

* Total time requirement: Preference for a 3-month minimum commitment to this weekly role. One week per month you will have off as we go on field trips. * Day of the week: Monday or Tuesday * Time of the day:11:00am-1:00pm * Site: Wilder Center for Social Healing, 935 Lafond Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104

Learn More: Contact Paige Stein at volunteer@wilder.org or call 651-280-2460 for more information.