What is an ESL Mentor? How can I be one?
ESL Mentors are essential in helping English-learning members of our community reach their goals. As a mentor, you'll be trained, provided with resources, and have the support of library staff and a community of other mentors to work with an intermediate-level English learner. Working together, you'll design and complete projects that improve their English fluency and help them make progress towards their defined goal(s). As an integral part of these projects, you'll be an advocate, helping your assigned learner navigate community resources, creating new personal connections, building confidence, and, ultimately, fulfilling their dreams.
POSITION: ESL Mentor
PURPOSE: Mentor works one-on-one with ESL adult learners to practice English, work towards a specific goal and create connections to help learners get established in the community. The ESL Mentoring service promotes intercultural understanding and cross-cultural appreciation.
PRIMARY DUTIES:
- Meet with designated learner online (amid COVID restrictions) once a week to teach English and work toward an established goal.
- Design and implement 6 to 8-week long projects oriented to a learner's specific goals.
- Prepare a lesson plan before each mentoring session.
- Navigate relevant resources to help learner achieve goals.
- Create "homework" for them to work on in between meetings.
- Communicate any questions or concerns to the ESL Mentoring Coordinator.
TIME COMMITMENT:
Three hours per week (1.5 hours to meet with learner and estimated 1.5 hours of prep time) for a minimum of 6 months.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least 18 years old
- Ability to speak, read, and write in English fluently
- Comfortable using technology, proficient with email, basic software, web-based electronic resources and virtual meeting platforms
- Cultural sensitivity, empathy and openness to different values and beliefs
- Patience, enthusiasm and willingness to provide encouragement
- Creativity in designing and structuring projects that benefit learner
- Flexibility to adapt to different learning styles
- Live or work in Poudre River Public Library service area
- Community involvement and/or community connections preferred
TRAINING:
- Virtual "live" training sessions
- Online self-guided training assignments provided by ESL Mentoring Coordinator
- Continuous learning opportunities after assignment
BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING:
- Make new friends and connections
- Gain teaching experience
- Learn about other cultures
- Contribute to your community
- Make a positive difference in people's lives
