The learning experience of the people in our classes is enriched through the contribution of volunteers who join a class once or twice a week to provide ESOL support. As an ESOL volunteer, you will assist the teacher and will work with individuals, pairs or groups within the classroom to offer opportunities for all to hear and speak to fluent English speakers.
KiwiClass volunteers can apply to be placed in a wide range of ESOL classes across the greater Wellington region:
- General English: mainly in Wellington, Intermediate level in Lower Hutt.
- English for Work: in Wellington, Porirua and Lower Hutt.
- Specialised Classes: Empowering Families, Seniors English (60+), Learner Drivers Licence, Computer Skills – in Wellington, Lower Hutt and Porirua.
Have a look at our ESOL volunteer role description for more details about the role. If you are looking for a different KiwiClass volunteer opportunity you may wish to assist with the Homework Club.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with KiwiClass. If you would like to be an ESOL volunteer, this page has some more information to help you along your way.
Volunteer selection process
The first step to becoming an ESOL volunteer is to register your interest via our Volunteer Application Form. Our Teaching Volunteer Coordinator will then be in touch with you to schedule a brief phone chat to assess your suitability and answer any questions you may have.
Volunteer induction
If you are selected as an ESOL volunteer, you will be invited to a mandatory one-hour group induction session at our KiwiClass office at Level 1, 39 Webb Street in Wellington.
During your induction you will meet the Volunteer Coordinator as well as other new ESOL volunteers. The one-hour session will give you a general overview of KiwiClass programmes and our learners, and we’ll go over the Volunteer Code of Conduct, classroom guidelines and the KiwiClass Volunteer Agreement.
Please note that attending an induction session does not guarantee an immediate placement as this depends on many factors. We also reserve the right to decline your application or cease your role if we feel your profile does not match our volunteer requirements.
Trial session
When there is a volunteer vacancy that matches your availability and skill set, you will be introduced to the teacher and be placed in their class for a two or three-hour trial session.
There are many dynamics at work in an ESOL classroom, so it is important to find out if the arrangement meets the expectations of both you and the class teacher.
At the end of the trial session you will have a debriefing session with the teacher to decide whether you’re both happy to work together. You or the teacher may ask the Teaching Volunteer Coordinator to participate in this meeting if there is anything you want to discuss together. If the arrangement works, we will sign you up for an agreed term.
Training
Training is on-the-job, with the teacher guiding you and working with you to develop the ways in which you can maximise your contribution to the learning experience of the students. If you have any questions or concerns about what you’re being asked to do, you can either talk directly to the teacher or raise the issue with the Teaching Volunteer Coordinator.
Volunteer support
KiwiClass highly values our volunteers so the Teaching Volunteer Coordinator will contact you at regular intervals via email or phone to see how your placement is going. We also send out newsletters and teaching tips during the term, organise a peer-to-peer support session each semester, host a thank you volunteer gathering twice a year and invite you all to help celebrate our learners’ achievements at the graduation ceremonies in June and December. You are also welcome to contact the Teaching Volunteer Coordinator or management staff at any time should you need further support.
