2024 BRIDGES Summer Lead Teacher

Mission Statement: We support refugees in their journey to become fully participating members of the West Michigan community. We envision a thriving, multicultural West Michigan community where all have an opportunity to pursue a better future!

BRIDGES Summer Lead Teachers work closely with the K-12 Program Coordinator and Classroom Support volunteers to lead the classroom with relevant and effective basic literacy and numeracy lessons and other activities provided by REC for refugee students. Lead Teachers are responsible for welcoming students in the mornings, teaching lessons, leading the classroom in activities, games, snack and lunch times, and supporting any needs that arise for program efficiency. Field trips will occur on some but not all Thursdays, so if you choose to volunteer on Thursdays, volunteers are required to attend and support with student supervision on field trips. Thursday volunteers are also welcome to serve as drivers in a carpool for other volunteers on field trips.

Training and Evaluation Meetings are required aspects of being a Lead Teacher volunteer. Training for Cohort 1 will take place on Monday, June 10th and Tuesday, June 11th from 9:00am-1:00pm. Training for Cohort 2 will take place on Monday, July 15th and Tuesday, July 16th from 9:00am-1:00pm. The BRIDGES Summer Program runs from Monday to Thursday, 8:30am-1:30pm, and Lead Teacher volunteers must commit to at least two days a week for at least one of the four-week programs.

Requirements:

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Must be a Michigan resident or have temporary residency in Michigan

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Ability to work with diverse populations

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Ability to work with children of all ages (K-12)

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Self-motivation to identify and aid students in their educational needs

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Ability to lead a team of support volunteers

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Commit to volunteering consistently on a weekly basis

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Attend required training in person

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

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Lead students in a small group

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Providing reading, writing, and speaking direction to students

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Engaging students in learning activities such as games, puzzles, projects, creative assignments, worksheets, or any other appropriate activities

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Work with staff to identify, advocate for, and work on student’s educational needs

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Report progress and/or issues of concern to K-12 Program Coordinator

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Demonstrate teamwork and integrity with staff, fellow volunteers, and students

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Build relationships with students on a weekly basis

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Ensure a safe and clean learning environment through assisting with after-program clean up

If interested, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Anna Bundy at: anna@refugeeeducationcenter.org.

Or go to our website (refugeeeducationcenter.org) and fill out the volunteer form online.