ESL Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers perform a wide range of duties, including:

• Assist the ESL staff at various events through the city of Raleigh
• Run informational booths
• Work directly with patrons to promote the ESL Program
• Assist Parks and Recreation staff at special citywide events
• Act as Lead Instructor in an ESL class
• Act a an Assistant Instructor in an ESL class
• Perform office and clerical duties
• And much more!

Volunteer positions can be:

• Continuous - for as long as you would like to keep returning
• One-time only appointments- like at a special event

Appy to be a Volunteer!

The City of Raleigh offers free ESL classes to adults, but these classes could not be offered without the dedication of outstanding volunteer instructors. As such, the ESL Program is always recruiting dedicated individuals with a passion for, interest in, or experience with teaching, ideally in ESL or with ESL certification.

Want to teach but don't have teaching experience?

• No problem!
• Volunteers new to teaching are paired with experienced instructors

Want to teach but don't speak a second language?

• DEFINITELY not a problem!
• Knowledge of a second language is NEVER necessary to volunteer with the ESL Program!

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and teaching levels- even if that level is "very beginning." New teachers are paired with veteran instructors so they can gain on-site training and gradually assume full teaching responsibilities.

Class Responsibilities

Whether you're new to teaching or a retired ESL instructor with 20 years experience, we ask everyone who is new to the City of Raleigh's ESL Program to participate in at least one training and orientation session with the volunteer coordinator. After that, instructors will plan and teach the weekly 1.5 hour class at their designated site. YOU will decide the curriculum and plan the activities. With the support of the ESL Program's extensive library, resources (including AV equipment and photocopies), and staff, you will design and implement your own ESL class.

Time Commitment

Since each class session lasts six weeks, we ask that volunteers commit to at least that much time. We understand that instructors are often juggling work, school, and families outside of their volunteer roles, which is why we do not require any contracts or lengthy commitments. After the six week class session, instructors work with the volunteer coordinator to determine future appointments.

Apply to be an Instructor or Assistant!