Opportunities From: Greater Nashville Regional Council

One in five Nashville adults lives with low literacy levels. We’re working to change that statistic one learner at a time through our volunteer program. As a volunteer, you commit to working with one learner for at least three months, once or twice a week. Our learners' goals are our priority, and we help ensure instruction focuses on meeting learner needs.

NALC will provide printed materials as well as Learning Upgrade, an online educational program. Other instructional aids and reading materials will be provided depending on learner needs. Learners may have a variety of needs including comprehension, vocabulary, HiSET preparation, and more. Lessons are learner-driven, but may include any combination of:

phonemic awarenessphonicsgrammarvocabularyreading comprehensionwritingediting  

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Attend an orientation and training via Zoom (2 hours)Maintain communication with a learnerSchedule weekly appointments with a learner (Note: absences are certainly allowed for vacations, illnesses, scheduling conflicts, etc. We do understand that things come up.)Meet with a learner online via zoom or in a public place for 2-4 hours per week for a minimum of 3 monthsCreatively adapt NALC-provided curriculum and incorporate supplemental resources, as neededCommunicate with NALC staff in a timely mannerKeep updated notes on tutoring sessionsSubmit tutor hours and reports upon request

Volunteer Qualifications:

Strong written and oral English language skillsPatient, encouraging, and empathetic dispositionA basic knowledge of computer skills (email, navigating websites, Google/Word documents)If tutoring via Zoom, a basic knowledge of Zoom (scheduling meetings, screen sharing)Access to a laptop or desktop computer with cameraAccess to a reliable internet connectionA desire to help someone improve their reading and writing skills so they can achieve their personal goals.

Volunteer Support from NALC:

Ongoing staff supportSupplemental meetings and training, as neededStaff review of notes on tutoring sessionsCurriculum materials providedSupplemental resources on Google DriveSuggested materials and instructional strategiesContinued encouragement and gratitude 

Do you want to help an immigrant learn English? Are you interested in building cross-cultural relationships?

Our ELL volunteer tutors are matched with a student learning English based on availability, interests, and preferences including gender, skill-level, and more. Tutors can choose to be an online-only volunteer or a hybrid volunteer. Online-only volunteers will meet a learner online via Zoom. Hybrid volunteers will meet in person at a public place, like a library or coffee shop, and online via Zoom when needed. NALC will assist the tutor and learner in finding a suitable meeting place. Tutors use an online English curriculum and learning management system, Burlington English, to deliver high-quality English lessons to learners. Other supplemental materials may be used.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Attend an orientation and a training via Zoom (2.5 hours)Complete a self-paced online training (1.5 hour) and receive certificateMaintain communication with a learnerSchedule weekly tutoring sessions with a learner (Note: Absences are certainly allowed for vacations, illnesses, scheduling conflicts, etc. We do understand that things come up.)Meet with a learner for 2-4 hours per week for a minimum of 3 monthsCreatively adapt curriculum and incorporate supplemental resources into pre-made lesson plansCommunicate with NALC staff in a timely mannerKeep updated notes on tutoring sessionsSubmit tutor hours after each tutoring session  

Volunteer Qualifications

Access to a laptop or desktop computer with camera (for online only tutors)Access to a laptop or tablet with a camera (for hybrid tutors)Access to a reliable internet connectionA basic knowledge of computer skills (email, navigating websites, Google/Word documents)A basic knowledge of Zoom (scheduling meetings, screen sharing)Strong written and oral English language skillsPatient, encouraging, and empathetic dispositionA desire to meet someone from a different culture and help them acclimate to the greater Nashville community!  

Volunteer Support

Supplemental meetings and trainings, as neededStaff review of notes on tutoring sessionsOnline curriculumSupplemental resource bankSuggested materials and instructional strategiesContinued encouragement and gratitude