Job Description

About ICRI

Every day, ICRI helps refugees and immigrants build safety, stability, and opportunity in their new communities. English instruction is one of the most important tools for empowerment, and volunteer ESL instructors make that possible. Whether you are an educator, a student, a professional, or someone who enjoys helping others learn, your time directly supports newcomers as they navigate work, school, and daily life.

What You'll Do

As a Volunteer ESL Instructor, you will support adult learners in gaining practical English and civics skills through culturally responsive, trauma-informed instruction. Volunteers may choose one or more focus areas depending on their interests, schedule, and experience. All positions below are

unpaid

volunteer roles.

Available Volunteer Roles

1. Individual ELL Instructor (One-on-One)

Provide personalized English instruction tailored to an individual learner's goals. Focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing through adaptive, relationship-based teaching.

You might:

Create individualized lesson plans Provide targeted coaching on specific language needs Monitor learner progress and confidence Support practical English for daily life and employment

2. Group ELL Instructor (Small-Group Classes)

Lead small-group English classes for adult learners at varying proficiency levels. Promote an inclusive environment and use flexible teaching methods to meet diverse cultural and linguistic needs.

You might:

Teach level-appropriate lessons Facilitate group learning activities Support learners' language goals in a collaborative setting Coordinate with staff to track attendance and progress

3. Civics ESL Instructor

Teach English integrated with U.S. civics, government, and community navigation skills--ideal for volunteers passionate about civic education or helping learners prepare for citizenship pathways.

You might:

Teach basic U.S. government structure and rights/responsibilities Build lessons around everyday civic tasks (schools, voting, city services) Support English development through civics content Provide accessible explanations that respect cultural and political diversity

4. ELL Digital Literacy Instructor

Help learners build foundational computer and technology skills while improving English. This role prepares learners for job applications, online services, and digital communication.

You might:

Teach basic computer and phone navigation Support email, online forms, safety, and digital communication Integrate simple English practice into technology lessons Help learners build confidence in digital spaces

5. ELL Curriculum Designer

Develop and refine curriculum for beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners. Great for educators or students in TESOL, linguistics, or instructional design.

You might:

Create lesson plans, activities, and assessments Design synchronous and asynchronous modules Adapt materials for diverse proficiency and literacy levels Support staff in aligning curriculum with program goals

6. Conversation Connector

Provide extra speaking practice through informal, friendly conversation sessions. This role helps learners build comfort, fluency, and confidence.

You might:

Meet one-on-one or in pairs for casual conversation Support pronunciation and vocabulary development Share cultural insights and learn from your partner Commit to at least one hour twice a month

Languages We're Looking For (Preferred but Not Required)

Spanish, Pashto, Dari, Karen, Arabic, French, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Haitian Creole, Russian, Ukrainian, Karenni, Somali, Dinka, Nuer, Nepali, Burmese, and many more.

Bilingual volunteers are especially encouraged to apply.

Who You Are

Comfortable communicating in English (and another language if bilingual) Patient, empathetic, and culturally sensitive Reliable and committed to supporting adult learners Willing to learn trauma-informed and accessible teaching practices No teaching experience required--training and materials provided

Requirements

Background check for all volunteers DMV record if participating in any driving-related support activities Commitment varies by role (flexible scheduling available)

Join Us

Your time helps newcomers feel welcome, supported, and empowered from day one. If you're passionate about education, community building, or supporting refugee and immigrant families, this is a meaningful place to serve.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Work Location: In person