Evening Virtual ESOL Class Assistant - Help hospital employees learn English for workplace promotions

Class Schedule is Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 5:30-7pm EST, over Zoom. We respectfully ask volunteers to volunteer at least one shift a week (one class). This current class cycle goes through June 2025.

About JVS:

JVS is a non-profit, non-sectarian agency. Our mission is to empower individuals from diverse communities to find employment and build careers; and to partner with employers to hire, develop and retain productive workforces.

JVS provides a broad range of services including adult education, skills training, job readiness training, job placement and support, and access to post-secondary education. JVS assists employers in their search for well-qualified job applicants and their initiatives to upgrade the skills of their incumbent workforce.

Course Description:

Healthcare Training Institute (HTI) Workplace ESOL classes are offered to hospital employees who are non-native speakers of English. The goal of the class is to improve English language skills for work and daily life. Lessons are contextualized for the hospital setting.

Curriculum Focus:

The students focus on gaining confidence in responding to topics about personal everyday activities, and can express immediate needs, using simple learned phrases or short sentences . Participants are developing control of basic grammar. The class covers foundational grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary acquisition skills. Topics can include polite expressions, idioms and colloquial language, personal life, and professional goals.

Volunteer responsibilities:

The volunteer will assist with taking attendance, observing and participating in full class activities, leading breakout groups, assisting students in understanding how to do an activity, assisting students with using Zoom, and /or providing feedback to students. All materials and activities will be created by the instructor. If interested, the volunteer may choose to create some warmup or discussion activities under guidance from the instructor.

Volunteer qualifications:

Patience and understanding of adult learners. Willingness to speak slowly and clearly and guide students in learning. Willingness to work in group setting with non-native English speakers from a wide variety of backgrounds. Interest in helping students improve their communication skills. Comfortable with the basics of Zoom. Previous teaching or language learning experience a huge plus!