Be a Volunteer English Teacher with our Karen group

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Located in the Frogtown neighborhood of Saint Paul, the Wilder Center for Social Healing offers a place to gather for support, fellowship, shared meals and healing. These are all important for people who immigrate to or seek refuge or asylum in the U.S. and who are trying to adjust to a new way of living. Our weekly facilitator-led programming is provided for culturally-specific groups either onsite or out at community activities and includes time to socialize over a meal.

We hear from Center for Social Healing participants that they would like to gain confidence and skills in English, so we are seeking a Volunteer English Teacher. After conversation with center staff, you will prepare plans for our participants and then lead English class with our Karen group.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare a lesson plan or topicprior to your volunteer shift each week and connect with your supervisor regarding future plans
• Provide a1-hour in-person lessonthat involves English language speaking, listening, and reading
• Help set up and cleanup activities, if applicable
• Foster a welcoming environment by engaging in conversation with participants
• Join our group for lunch and continue informal conversation and relationship building

Qualifications:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Preference for a volunteer who speaks Karen. Interpreters are available if needed.
• Comfort presenting to a group of up to 10-15participants.
• Complete a criminal background check (Wilder covers the cost).
• Attend free12-hour training series with Literacy MN before beginning. Volunteers with a teaching license or other credentials may be exempt.
• Experience teaching or presentingis preferredbut not required.
• Ability to interact with and assist people of varying backgrounds, cultures and identities, including race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, ability, gender,gender expression, religion,etc.
• Highly respectful of confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport with participants.
• Practice patience with participants and staff.

Learn More:

• Contact Paige Stein at volunteer@wilder.org or call 651-280-2460 for more information, or simply express interest via the "I Want to Help" button.