Empower ESOL, Volunteer Teaching Assistant at King's College London
Volunteer as a teaching assistant at King’s with English for Action and empower Latin American parents to speak up on issues that affect their communities.
This year, English for Action are working in partnership with King’s Social Mobility & Widening Participation, Empoderando Familias and King's Volunteering to explore the positive impact that English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes can have on helping Latin American parents navigate local systems that affect them.
A key part of this project is working with staff and student volunteers, to both strenghthen connections between parents and the university and to provide ongoing support with classes that will be taking place on university campus.
We’re looking for volunteers who will support the delivery of classes that will take place at King's throughout the week, as teaching assistants. As a volunteer teaching assistant with Empower ESOL, you will:
- Work with learners both one-to-one and in small groups
- Talk informally with learners, building relationships and an inclusive space
- Help the teacher prepare the learning space and materials
- Pass on discussion topics/comments, which might be used when planning future lesson
- Create a safe and welcoming space for all learners
This work is supported by the One King’s Impact Fund and is part of the One King’s Impact programme, King’s College London’s university-wide approach to accelerate and enhance impact-driven work that makes a positive difference in the world.
As a Volunteer Teaching Assistant with Empower ESOL, you’ll be contributing to a grassroots initiative that will positively impact the Latin American community in London, whilst developing skills and knowledge both in community organising and teaching English as a second language.
In addition, volunteers will:
- Gain experience of English language teaching in a community setting
- Receive ongoing and regular training on teaching methods
- Contribute your skills, knowledge and experience in a community setting
- Connect with like-minded individuals, build your network amongst people interested in ESOL
- Gain hands-on experience working in ESOL, charity and community organising sectors
- For those who commit 6 months and more, receive a reference from English For Action and an online credential from King’s Volunteering.
This opportunity is open to all staff and students at King’s College London, we ask that volunteers demonstrate the following skills and qualities:
- Commitment to treating our participants with respect
- Non-judgemental approach that values different cultures
- Good English language skills
- Strong inter-personal skills
- Interest in people and their stories
- Clear DBS check (we can arrange a new one)
While knowing Spanish would be beneficial, it is not a requirement.
Commitment
Classes will be held weekly, either online or in person on campus, lasting 2 hours. Timings and days will be confirmed after consulting with the learners and their availability.
To volunteer on this programme, we ask that volunteers are able to:
- Commit to 2 hours per week for up to 6 months
- Attend a three hour training, that will take place at King's or online
If you'd like to know more about the role before applying, please email volunteer@kcl.ac.uk or book a 15-minute call with Naureen, the project lead at King's College London. Book a meeting here.
