Teacher’s Aide for English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes (Online and In-Person)

Mission and Objective
Our Adult Education Program offers ESL classes that integrate relevant teaching practices in grammar, writing, listening-speaking, and reading in an inclusive environment that develops students’ language as well as the cultural awareness they will need to thrive. Through the lens of empowering the whole person, the Adult Education Program creates the basic building blocks that allow very low-income, adult immigrants to improve their access to education, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities and ultimately get on the pathway out of poverty.

Canal Alliance is looking for volunteer teacher’s aides to assist in our summer ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. We have openings for both online aides and in-person aides. Classes meet in the evenings, and aides volunteer one evening per week from 7:45 pm to 10:00 pm. 

This role is an excellent opportunity for those interested in language teaching or in learning about the ESL field. It’s also a rewarding experience for anyone with a desire to support the immigrant community here in Marin. 

Please note: Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.

Program Dates and Class Times

• Summer trimester dates: May 20 – August 15, 2024 
• Aides assist in a class once a week – either Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday – from 7:45 pm to 10:00 pm Pacific Time 
• Minimum volunteer commitment is one 13-week trimester 

Requirements

• Age 18 or above. 
• Alignment with Canal Alliance’s mission and Adult Education program goals. 
• Commitment to assist in one 2-hour class per week plus attend 15-minute pre-class meeting. 
• Commitment to assist for at least one trimester, with minimal absences, and attempt to find own substitute from within them when necessary. 
• Completion of onboarding and training listed below. 
• Commitment to cultural responsiveness and cultural humility. 
• Full proficiency in English.  
• Reliable internet and access to a computer with a camera (for online aides). 
• Ability to use the tech tools needed for class (online aides; some training provided). 

Responsibilities

• Help the teacher provide a nurturing, supportive, and positive learning environment with high expectations for students. 
• Help to ensure all students are participating. 
• Monitor class and advise teacher of students who are struggling, or topics that need clarification. 
• Respect and follow program policies and teacher’s instructions. 
• Respond promptly to communications from teacher, team, and Adult Education staff. 
• Be culturally responsive and culturally humble in the classroom. 
• Honor trimester-long volunteer commitment. 
• Online aides only: 
  • Assist the teacher with management of the online class, as requested: help the teacher model conversations and activities, take attendance, write in the chat, mute students, etc.  
  • In breakout rooms: Following teacher’s instructions, lead activities in lesson plan, and monitor and assist students. 
  • Using Zoom, share your screen, annotate shared documents, and use chat. 

• In-person aides only: 
  • Assist the teacher with management of the class, including distributing materials, taking attendance, helping the teacher model conversations and activities, writing on the board, and helping the teacher clean up at the end of class.  
  • Per teacher’s instructions, work with individual students or small groups: answer questions, lead games, help students complete exercises and activities, and provide general assistance.  

Skills & Competencies 

• Friendly, outgoing and adaptable 
• Patient and attentive with students 
• Enjoy interacting with people of all ages and ethnicities 
• Able to build positive and respectful relationships with students, teachers and staff 
• Comfortable working with people of varied cultural and socio-economic backgrounds 
• Helpful but not required:  
• Knowledge of, or previous experience with, ESL content and students  
• Personal experience learning another language as an adult 
• Knowledge of Spanish 

Onboarding and Training 

• Sign required forms.  
• Watch two orientation videos and take a quiz on each one. 
• Attend training on Classroom Techniques for Volunteers, Wednesday, May 15, 7:30 – 9:00 pm (online aides) or 7:00 – 8:30 pm (in-person aides). Training is via Zoom.