"Being with the students gives me that connection with the world that I also got when I traveled. And so I feel like I don't need to travel as much because I have my international understanding, learning, and opportunities right here in the classroom."

- Claire Kevill, WEC Volunteer

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BECOME A VOLUNTEER!

Like to teach or tutor? Familiar with computers? Enjoy meeting people from other countries? Have other special skills you would like to share?   Join Washington English Center's incredible team of volunteers to make a difference in someone else's life as well as your own.

Ready to apply to be a teacher or tutor?

Please complete our online Volunteer Application. As well, please download, review, sign and return our Volunteer Manual to our office. 

Note:  if you are seeking to volunteer with WEC for a Teaching English to Speakers Of another Language (TESOL) or Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) program practicum and require feedback, please mention this in your Volunteer Application. 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:

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English Language Teachers

One-on-one Tutors

Job Coaches (see Employment Services Programs, below)

Computer Literacy Teachers

Conversation Group Leaders

Citizenship Preparation Teachers

Librarians (Reading Room Assistants)

Office Assistants

VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT

If you participate as a Teacher, you will need to be present at the school one day per week (the same day of the week) for the duration of the term. Teachers spend 2 to 3 hours in class plus their additional planning time. 

If you are a Tutor, your commitment will be one hour per day (on the same day of the week) from the 3rd through the 10th week of a term.​

Librarians and Office Assistants are needed for 2 to 3 hours, one day per week (the same day each week) for the full term.

VOLUNTEER QUALIFICATIONS

Have the desire to work with like minded volunteers and adult students from different cultural, educational and economic backgrounds!  No teaching or other role specific experience is required.​

(please note, all WEC staff and volunteers are required to pass a criminal / sex offender convictions background check)

English Literacy Education

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Qualifications for Teachers and Tutors

Have the desire to work with adults from different cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds!   NO teaching experience necessary!    This said, our teachers need to be:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Proficient in English
  • Willing to make an 11-week commitment (Fall, Winter or Spring terms) or 6-week commitment (Summer term)
  • Attend a pre-service orientation, and one additional training workshop during each term
  • Have regular access to email for important information distribution
  • Be enthusiastic about working with adults from different cultural, educational and economic backgrounds!

Please review this useful teaching overview to help you make your decision.

TERM INFORMATION AND (CLICK) ACADEMIC CALENDAR

FALL, WINTER AND SPRING TERMS (11 WEEKS)

Mondays through Wednesdays:  Day Classes are 10 AM to 1 PM; Evening Classes are 7 PM to 9 PM

Saturdays and Sundays:  Classes are 2 PM to 5 PM

Sunday (Conversational English):  10 AM to 12 PM

SUMMER TERM (6 WEEKS)

Mondays through Wednesdays:  Day Classes are 10 AM to 1 PM; Evenings from 630 PM to 830 PM

Saturdays and Sundays:  Classes are 2 PM to 5 PM

Please note: Tutoring sessions and Conversation English Clubs do not meet during the Summer Term

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROGRAMS

In addition to English language instruction, Washington English Center also provides no cost workforce preparation services and job seeking assistance to adult immigrants.  Our employment services volunteers and job coaches assist with:

  • Writing or editing resumes and cover letters

  • Assisting people in searching for and applying for jobs online

  • Helping people prepare for job interviews

  • Accompanying people on job interviews

  • Serving as an ambassador to establish partnerships with local employers

  • Assisting staff with administrative tasks

  • Planning and executing special events such as job fairs and workshops

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If you are interested in being an employment services volunteer please contact Renee McKie, our Employment Services Coordinator, at Telephone (202) 387-2616 or email rmckie@washingtonenglish.org

QUESTIONS OFTEN ASKED BY VOLUNTEERS

Is teaching experience required?

No! All volunteers attend pre-service training to help prepare for teaching in our school using our curriculum.  We provide you with a course syllabus, a teacher’s manual, and supplemental instructional materials. We also offer additional training and ongoing support throughout the term.

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English is not my native language. Can I still volunteer?​

Yes! WEC welcomes volunteers who have had to study English themselves. In fact, some of our former students are teachers!

 

Do I have to speak another language other than English?

No! All of our classes are taught in English. It is typical for there to be several different native languages represented in each class, so English is the common language.

 

I have a busy schedule, how often do I have to meet for classes?

Volunteer teachers must be willing to make an 11 week commitment (Fall, Winter and Spring) or a 6 week commitment (Summer), but only meet for 2 to 3 hours one day a week.  We offer classes year-round, so select a term and schedule that works for your schedule and one that you are sure you can commit to.  For example:

Class Terms:

  • Fall: Mid-September to early December

  • Winter: Mid-January to late March

  • Spring: Mid-April to late June

  • Summer: Mid-July to late August

Class Schedules:

  • Weekdays:  Monday through Thursday, 10 AM to 1 PM

  • Evenings:   Monday through Thursday, 7 PM to 9 PM

  • Weekend:  Saturday & Sunday, 2 PM to 5 PM

  • Sundays: 9 AM to 12 Noon

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Are there other volunteer opportunities - other than teaching English classes?

Yes!  There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer at Washington English Center. This includes: English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher, Tutor, Computer Literacy Teacher, Conversation Group Leader, Citizenship Teacher and Job Coach.

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What are the requirements to be a volunteer?

All volunteers must:

  • be 18 years of age or older

  • speak English proficiently

  • make an 11 week commitment (Fall, Winter and Spring) or a 6 week commitment (Summer), 1 day per week

  • attend training before and during each session

  • have regular access to email

  • have the desire to work with adults from different cultural, educational and economic backgrounds

  • pass a background review (a requirement of our landlord lease agreement)

 

Where is the nearest metro or bus stop?

The nearest metro station is the Dupont Circle Metro Station (take the Q Street exit) on the Red Line.  If you wish to take the bus, the bus lines are 42, 43, H1, L2 and L1.

 

Where is the best place to park?

The only parking available for volunteers is street parking in Zone 2. There is two-hour parking bordering the Washington Center building; however we encourage volunteers to take public transportation whenever possible.

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Where are the teachers and students from?

All over the globe! Washington English Center takes pride in our multicultural learning atmosphere. We have students from over 100 different countries. We also accept volunteer teachers from around the world.