ESL Volunteer Teacher (Saturdays)

Help adults build confidence and practical English skills!

Angels for Action, a small community-based nonprofit in Plainfield, NJ, is looking for a volunteer ESL teacher to help adults learn basic English for everyday life, work, and family responsibilities. This will be set for Saturday mornings from 11:00 am - 1:pm or can be 1.5 hours - can be flexible to whatever you are teaching.

Our students are primarily Hispanic, though we serve a diverse community. Many are working adults, parents, or individuals navigating stressful life circumstances, so patience, flexibility, and practical lessons are essential.

Responsibilities

• Teach basic English, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
• Develop or adapt lessons for everyday situations, such as workplace communication, appointments, school interactions, and daily errands.
• Track attendance and student progress ( we have a tracking system, but we can assign other helpers to assist with this)
• Prepare simple lesson plans and assignments appropriate for adult learners.
• Leave written lesson plans when absent so another volunteer can step in if needed.

Expectations

We are a small, volunteer-led nonprofit with limited staff support and training. We welcome someone who can take initiative, work independently, and adapt lessons to students' different learning levels and circumstances.

Traditional homework and classroom expectations may need to be adjusted to accommodate students balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.

What We're Looking For

• Experience teaching English or ESL, or a strong passion for helping adults learn.
• Patience, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Resourcefulness and the ability to develop or follow a general curriculum.
• Comfort working with adults with varied educational backgrounds and English proficiency.

Previous teaching materials are available, and additional supplies can be discussed as needed.

We can provide existing textbooks, worksheets, and other teaching materials. Past teachers have often used their own curriculum and teaching approach, but we're happy to work with you and adapt to your preferred teaching style.

Schedule

Our ESL program typically runs three sessions per year, meeting once a week for approximately three months. We currently have opportunities on Saturday mornings, with flexibility to discuss other times. We can also work with volunteers who cannot commit to the entire session.

Federal Work-Study Students

If you're enrolled in a Federal Work-Study program, please let us know! We may be able to connect with your college to explore becoming an approved community partner or host site.

Your time and skills can help adults gain confidence, communicate more independently, and navigate everyday life. We'd love to hear from you!