Volunteers

The RALC is an all-volunteer organization, with the exception of its one part-time executive director. As such, new volunteers are always needed, as our programs continue to expand.

Below are several volunteer opportunities:

ESL Tutor
Office Volunteer
Fundraising Volunteer
Special Events Volunteer
Tutor Resources

 

ESL Tutors

All RALC classes are led by trained volunteer tutors who come from all walks of life, most of whom have had no prior teaching experience nor speak another language. The most important trait needed to become a volunteer tutor is a passion for helping others learn English.

Tutor training and optional observation opportunities are provided by the Center before tutors are placed with students or a class. Training provides tutors with the tools needed and covers many areas to help guide you to a rewarding experience of tutoring English language learners.

ESL (English as a Second Language) classes are English immersion; teachers do not need to know a language other than English. Classes, which are highly interactive to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, generally occur once a week for two hours or twice a week for one hour each.

Tutor Training Options

We offer two options for new tutor training:

Option 1 - Independent Study

This is a great option for those who aren’t able to attend a tutor training workshop or would like to get involved before the next tutor training workshop is scheduled. With this option, the new tutor:

• Reads a 50-page tutor manual
• Takes two one-hour online courses
• Views a tutor training DVD
• Participates in a face-to-face meeting with a tutor trainer

Option 2 - Attend a Tutor Training Workshop

Tutor Training Workshops are scheduled quarterly and provide an opportunity to complete all training in one day. The workshops are typically held on a Saturday at the Richardson Public Library.

The next Tutor Training Workshop will be in early 2012. Contact the RALC office to register for the workshop: 972-644-5119 or literacy@ralc.org.

Office Volunteers

Opportunities are available to assist in the RALC office on a regular basis. Duties include answering the phone, preparing student materials and assisting with general administrative work. Shifts are typically two hours or four hours once a week.

Fundraising Volunteers

Fundraising volunteers assist RALC with specific fundraising events and activities throughout the year.

Special Events Volunteers

Special event volunteers assist RALC by serving on event committees and working at various events.

To find out more about the RALC and its volunteer opportunities, attend an upcoming “Learn More” Coffee or contact the Center at 972-644-5119 or literacy@ralc.org.

To apply for volunteer opportunities please call Katie Patterson at 972-644-5119 or director@ralc.org.

Tutor Resources

Below are links to various resources for current volunteer tutors:
Student Registration Form
Monthly One-to-One Attendance Form (Word doc)
Monthly Class Attendance Form (Word doc)
ProLiteracy Education Network Website
ESL Practitioners Toolkit
Tutor Roundtable Ideas
Vounteer Policies