Thank you for your interest in volunteering with KiwiClass. Here is some more information to help you along your way.
What types of volunteer opportunities does KiwiClass offer?
The majority of KiwiClass volunteers are ESOL volunteers as per the main Volunteer tab above.
We also have two Homework Clubs where volunteers assist secondary school students with their NCEA subjects. If this interests you please see the Homework Club page for more info.
From time to time we recruit other volunteers for specific projects. We recommend looking at the Volunteer Wellington page for these opportunities.
Do I need to have a teaching qualification to become an ESOL volunteer with KiwiClass?
No – it is of course helpful to be a qualified teacher, but we welcome volunteers without formal qualifications as well.
How do I sign up to become an ESOL volunteer with KiwiClass?
You can start by completing the Volunteer Application Form and attaching a current CV. Our Teaching Volunteer Coordinator will then be in touch to have a chat with you to ensure we are the best fit for your donated time. Once you’re selected as a volunteer, you will attend a one-hour volunteer induction and complete a one- or two-lesson classroom trial. If this is successful we will match you with a teacher and a class for the duration of the term or semester. Your designated teacher will guide you from then on alongside the Teaching Volunteer Coordinator.
What is the average weekly time commitment for ESOL volunteers?
Our ESOL volunteers generally take on one two- or three-hour classroom session per week, either in the morning (9 am – 11 am or 9 am – 12 noon) or in the afternoon (1 pm – 4 pm). Some people prefer to do only half sessions and others enjoy coming in a couple of times a week. The volunteers decide for themselves how many hours they can give.
For after-hours volunteering please contact the Homework Club, which has a separate application process to the classroom-based ESOL volunteering.
Am I eligible to apply if I can only volunteer for one month?
No. We ask that ESOL volunteers commit to a particular class for a minimum of one term (9-11 weeks) to ensure continuity for the teachers and the learners. If possible, we encourage volunteers to do a full semester placement of 19 weeks, followed by a two-week school holiday break (and a longer break in summer).
What type of training does KiwiClass provide?
During the volunteer induction you will learn the ESOL classroom guidelines, as well as teaching tips and ways to work well with KiwiClass learners. Once your placement starts, training is mostly 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 our Teaching Volunteer Coordinator.
Do ESOL volunteers get any ongoing volunteer support?
KiwiClass highly values our volunteers. Our 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.
Can I get a KiwiClass Certificate at the end of my placement?
Of course! Have a chat to the Teaching Volunteer Coordinator about this.
