Volunteers

 

 

Change a life, inspire your own…
join us at the Dominican Learning Center!

Our volunteers are at the core of our program and are instrumental in helping our learners improve their lives through education. Volunteers help learners pursue their GED so they may be able to qualify for better jobs or pursue higher education. Volunteers also help immigrants and refugees in our ESL program so they can have a stronger command of the English language and are therefore able to navigate everyday life more confidently, improve their chances of getting promotions at work, enroll in higher education, etc.  Volunteers will choose the area they volunteer in based on personal preferences.

ESL tutor Luciana says, “My ESL student, Sachiko, is from Japan. Her family came to the US because her husband has a temporary work assignment here. She loves learning English. She has achieved a very important goal. She was able to speak with her children’s teachers without a Japanese interpreter. In our picture we are standing in front of the room at the library we’re I teach English to Sachiko.“

 

Please see below for further information or contact Annette Cohn for further questions or to register at (614) 444-7330 x2 or annette.Cohn@oppeace.org or fill out the registration form.

Become a Tutor

Tutor Training is comprised of three parts.  The schedule below has the dates and times for the first part of each training.

  • If you sign up for a Saturday training, you will be able to complete parts I and II in the same morning (back-to-back).
  • If you opt to sign up for a weeknight training, you will only receive part I and will have to schedule part II with the appropriate staff member (based on your chosen subject area).
  • Once you are matched with a learner and we have information about that learner’s individual needs, we will schedule part III of the training. It is at this point that you will also pick up the books that you will be using with your learner.

 

ESL (English as a Second Language)

    • ESL Tutor: One-to-one and small groups (most work with just one learner)
      • You do not need to speak a foreign language
      • Time commitment: 1 ½ – 2 hours per week (Preparation time would be another 15-60 minutes) We ask that you try to commit to tutoring for one year.
      • The actual tutoring will be at a mutually-accepted time and place for the learner and tutor. We match learners and tutors according to their availability.
        • In person at the DLC, a public library, or another public location
        • Through zoom
      • Volunteer tutors must also attend a free three-part tutor training offered by the DLC. To register for training, fill out the online form, call 614-444-7330 x2 or email annette.Cohn@oppeace.org.
      • Books and other materials are provided
    • ESL Teacher or Assistant Teacher
      • You do not need to speak a foreign language
      • We have small group classes (4-15) at various diocese locations throughout Columbus and sometimes need more teachers/assistants (Most students at these locations are Spanish speakers)
      • Time commitment is 2 hours a week in person at the site
      • You would attend a special tutor training for ‘site teachers’
      • Fill out the online form or call Adriana Johnson 614-444-7330 x106 at to see if we need more ‘parish site teachers’
      • Books and other materials are provided

 

GED/ABE – GED Preparation and Adult Basic Education

    • ABE/GED Tutor – One to One
      • Time commitment: 1 ½ – 2 hours per week (Preparation time would be another 30-60 minutes per week) We ask that you try to commit to tutoring for one year.
      • During your tutor training class, you will select the area in which you want to tutor. You can tutor in Math or Language Arts.  Sometimes we may need teachers and assistants for Social Studies and Science classes, or a tutor may choose to continue working with a learner one-to-one in these subjects.
      • Tutoring will be at a mutually-accepted time and place for the learner and tutor. We match learners and tutors according to their availability.  Tutoring may take place in person at the DLC, a public library, or another public location or through zoom.
      • ABE (Adult Basic Education) is for learners who are working on the basics of reading, writing, and math to improve their lives. Sometimes, but not always, it is the ABE learner’s intention to eventually work towards their GED.
      • GED Preparation is for learners who are working toward their GED. They work with a tutor in the areas of Language Arts or Math.  After finishing those subjects, they may work toward passing Science and Social Studies with the same tutor, another tutor, work on their own, or join one of our group classes.
      • Volunteer tutors must also attend a free three-part tutor training offered by the DLC. To register for training, fill out the online form, call 614-444-7330 x2 or email annette.Cohn@oppeace.org.
      • Books and other materials are provided
    • ABE/GED Class Leaders and Assistants
      • We are currently testing out offering group evening classes at our office for some of our learners who need assistance in the subjects of Science and Social Studies (especially those waiting for a tutor in Language Arts or Math.) If you have an affinity for Science or Social Studies, we would love to talk to you.
      • Volunteer tutors must also attend a free three-part tutor training offered by the DLC. To register for training, fill out the online form, call 614-444-7330 x2 or email annette.Cohn@oppeace.org.
      • Books and other materials are provided

Become a mentor for other tutors

    • A great opportunity for experienced tutors who would like to help new tutors and help tutors who request assistance

Please contact Annette Cohn for further questions or to register at (614) 444-7330 x2 or annette.Cohn@oppeace.org

Unable to tutor right now? There are other ways you can help us achieve our mission to improve the lives of learners through education.