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[Volunteer Policy Handbook]
[Hogar Hispano's Toolbox for Teachers] [E-Nunciation Newsletter]
[ESL Resources] [Hogar Hispano's Textbook: Speak Out in English]

In keeping with the Catholic Charities' mission, Hogar Hispano began offering English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in 1984. The primary goal of this program is to offer immigrants a basic knowledge of English so that they can: (a) improve their ability to advocate for themselves; (b) enhance their education and employment opportunities to better provide for their families; (c) pass the Citizenship Exam -- which requires proficiency in English; (d) become less isolated and able to participate in the larger community.

The program offers instruction focused on the development of practical daily living skills. Emphasis is placed on survival English competency in the four major skill areas: speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. We offer four levels of instruction to accommodate all our students. We also give citizenship classes at several local sites.

Today, Hogar Hispano's ESL Program provides classes at locations in Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas, Dale City, Vienna, and Winchester. Present sites include Churches, Work Sites, a Day Labor Center, Senior Centers, the Hogar Hispano office, and Community Centers.

Classes are organized into two fifteen-week sessions from September to May. We also have a summer session. Classes are held weekdays, weeknights, or on the weekends. Student registration and teacher orientation is held in September after Labor Day. Classes are scheduled to meet once or twice a week, depending on the site. No documentation is necessary and we welcome all adults.

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The spirit of the volunteer site coordinators, teachers, aides, and substitutes make the ESL program possible. The volunteers work together to accomplish the mission of the program, with dedication to the students and with a sense of responsibility for the program. Our volunteers come from the community to serve the community.

No experience is required to become a Hogar Hispano volunteer. Special skills, knowledge of foreign languages, and talents are not necessary. A strong desire to help others and 2 hours (plus any preparation time) per week of time are required.

All new volunteers are required to attend an orientation session. In addition, volunteers are also required to attend additional ESL workshops and seminars provided by Hogar Hispano for a total of ten hours within the first year. Trainings on different topics are held quarterly and are intended to enhance the volunteers' skills. Each volunteer is given a handbook that provides important information regarding our program.

Volunteer Job Descriptions:
Coordinators are responsible for routine procedures at the ESL sites; they assist teachers and act as liaison between site personnel and Hogar Hispano.

• Teachers prepare lessons and conduct English classes once a week for adult learners registered in the program.
• Assistants help coordinators and teachers with duties above, and substitute for them when necessary. They can also serve as co-coordinators or co-teachers.
• Substitutes are needed to occasionally "fill-in" for regular teachers.

Why should I volunteer?
Give back to your community! Reach out and change someone's life with the gift of English-the key to immigrants' advancement in North American society. Meet other wonderful people who care, like you!

What volunteer positions are available in the ESL Program?
We need Teachers, Assistant Teachers and Site Coordinators. All of these positions are essential to the program. Tell us which you prefer.

Who will I teach?
The majority of our adult students are from Central and South America, but we also have representatives from Asia and the Middle East.

What will I Teach?
You will be teaching English that is used in everyday living. We often call it "real-life English."

Where will I teach?
Classes are held at 24 sites throughout Northern Virginia, including parishes, government and community centers, workplaces, senior citizen centers, elementary schools and the Hogar Hispano office. We make every effort to place teachers at sites that are convenient for them.

When will I teach?
Classes are held mornings, evenings and weekends. You let us know when you are available.

What is required to be a teacher in the Hogar Hispano ESL program?
Volunteers must:
be reliable
be at least 18 years of age*
have a high school diploma
be proficient in the English language
*Minors may serve as Assistant Teachers. Certain restrictions apply.

Do I have to be bilingual to teach English?
No. In fact, we encourage our bilingual volunteers to speak only English in the classrooms to maximize students' exposure to the language they came to learn.

Do I need previous teaching experience?
No. Hogar Hispano provides training.

What kind of training is involved?
Teachers are required to take the ESL Boot Camp, our four-hour orientation workshop. Teachers are strongly encouraged to take at least an additional eight hours of training, either through Hogar Hispano or another ESL organization. Teachers receive notices on free trainings in the Hogar Hispano monthly newsletter.

How many hours do I volunteer each week?
Volunteers commit to a total of three hours per week (two hours of teaching and one hour of preparation time). Although many classes are held twice a week, volunteers teach only once a week, sharing the same group of students.

How long am I expected to volunteer?
We ask volunteers to commit to one academic year (from September to May).

What resources are available to help me with my volunteering?
The ESL office is open weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and we are available to answer questions and provide support. We have a library of ESL resource materials and copying facilities available to our volunteers. We offer periodic trainings at which teachers are provided with teaching materials.

Can I do something else besides teaching?
You can work with the ESL team in our Falls Church office. We could always use help with administration, advertising and outreach. We especially need bilingual (English/Spanish) volunteers to provide class information to prospective students over the telephone.

What should I do if I have more questions?
Send an e-mail to ssullivan@ccda.net or call 703-534-9805, x 238.