FAQ’s About Volunteering with LVGH
1. Do I need teaching experience?
No. We happily provide an extensive training workshop that prepares you for the classroom. We feel that classroom exposure is the best way to learn the in and outs of teaching, so we make sure that you get lots of it. You will have the opportunity to observe classes and then jump right in with some student teaching. Once you start tutoring, we’ll pair you with a seasoned tutor to show you the reigns.
If you are a teacher, we welcome you and your experience. You will be a resource to new teachers as you move through the training, and our population is unique, so we are sure you will learn a few things too!
2. What’s the time commitment?
Continuity is important for our students, so we ask that volunteers commit to one year of service to tutoring. You will dedicate one morning or evening per week for a two hour block, plus a couple of hours per week of preparation time.
3. Do I need to speak another language?
Nope. In fact even in our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, we ask that English is spoken almost exclusively. In an ESOL class, you might have people who speak six different languages, and we wouldn’t want to exclude anyone from the conversation. Plus, we firmly believe that English immersion is the absolute best way to learn the language.
4. Is there a standard curriculum?
Yes. There is a standard curriculum for each of our classes. Whether you’re tutoring in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Basic Literacy for native English-speakers, or one of our elective courses (see About Classes.) we will provide you with a curriculum and textbook. Not only does this act as a guide for your teaching, it ensures that you are teaching what the students actually need to know to be succesful.
The curricula are correlated with the state-based CASAS test with a strong emphasis on life skills. CASAS is the most widely used assessment system in the US and is used to measure the English language and literacy skills needed to function effectively in work and in life. You will find that the curriculum is practical, tangible, and easily applicable to adults’ daily lives.
While adherence to the curriculum is important, we also encourage a healthy dose of creativity. Our goal is to foster critical thinking, not to teach to a test.
5. Is the Tutor Training Workshop required?
Yes. Whether you have been teaching for thirty years or you’ve never taught a day in your life, we require you to participate in the training. Not only will the training prepare you to work with our unique student body, it helps acclimate you to LVGH and get to know us better (see Tutor Training Workshop description above).
6. Is there anyone to help me if I have a problem?
Always. Support is critical to the LVGH experience. Whether it’s a question about the curriculum, providing assistance to a student, how to find out if there’s a snow day, or you are having trouble with the copier, our program staff is here to help (see staff listing).
In addition to the staff, you have a built in support system of 179 other tutors, many of whom are wondering about the same questions you are. You will be part of a cohort of tutors during the Tutor Training Workshop, and you will meet many other tutors as you go.
7. I’d love to volunteer but not in a classroom. Is there anything for me?
Of course. There is something for everyone, and our staff is here to help match you with the right position. You can volunteer to help students in the computer lab, help out with special events, or assist on a committee (see position descriptions).
