Updated August 27, 2026-
Tigard United Methodist Church (TIELLA)
Who they serve: Adult English learners, mostly intermediate level, with some beginner and advanced beginner classes
Volunteer role: Conversation practice tutor, teamed with another tutor since most volunteers come once a week
When: Tuesday and Thursday mornings 10:30 to 12:00 (in person, free childcare provided), Monday evenings 6:30 to 8:00 PM (in person), plus online classes Monday mornings and Thursday evenings
Where: Tigard, in person, or online for the virtual classes
Openings: Mainly evening in person classes and online classes
How to apply: Register at tiella.com or contact Rosemary Carlsen at rosemary.carlsen@gmail.com
Beaverton Literacy Council (BLC)
Who they serve: Adult English learners in the Beaverton area
Volunteer role: Lead or assistant teacher, online or in person. Related experience helpful but not required
When: One or two times per week, two to three hours per session, minimum three month commitment
Where: Beaverton
How to apply: Visit beavertonliteracy.org/volunteer
The Rebel Academy
Who they serve: Justice impacted and barrier affected adults working toward a GED or HSE credential
Volunteer role: One on one GED tutor, English or Spanish, math skills through Algebra 1 and Geometry especially needed. Training provided. No criminal history required for secured sites such as jails and reentry centers, some public and unmonitored locations also available
When: Not specified, but consistent reliable attendance is essential
Where: Portland metro area
How to apply: Contact Dr. Zavrel at contact@therebelacademy.org
Pacific Refugee Support Group (PRSG)
Who they serve: Refugees and other newcomers, all immigration statuses
Volunteer role: One on one ESOL tutor
When: One to two days per week, about two hours total weekly, with a year long commitment encouraged but not required
Where: Student's home, a public library or cafe in the Portland metro area, or virtually
How to apply: Contact Megan French Cooper at megan@pnwrsg.org or info@pnwrsg.org
Portland Community College, Southeast Campus
Who they serve: Adult ESOL students at a variety of levels, with a current need in beginning level classes
Volunteer role: Classroom support alongside an experienced PCC instructor
When: Morning and evening sessions available
Where: 2305 SE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97216
How to apply: Contact Lucy Marincel at lucia.marincel@pcc.edu
Portland Community College at the Sylvania Campus
Who they serve: Adult ESOL students at a variety of levels, with a current need in beginning level classes
Volunteer role: Classroom support alongside an experienced PCC instructor
When: Morning and evening sessions available
Where: 12000 SW 49th Ave, Portland, OR 97219
How to apply: Contact Mark Palmer at mark.palmer2@pcc.edu
Portland Community College at the Rock Creek Campus
Who they serve: Adult ESOL students at a variety of levels, with a current need in beginning level classes
Volunteer role: Classroom support alongside an experienced PCC instructor
When: Morning and evening sessions available
Where: 12000 SW 49th Ave, Portland, OR 97219
How to apply: Contact Edit McDonald emcdonal@pcc.edu at the Rock Creek campus
Who they serve: Afghan students ages 20-65, mostly women
Volunteer role: One on one tutoring, virtually or at a public location, using your own curriculum developed with your student. Onboarding includes several training sessions. Prior experience is not required to apply, but tutors skilled in working with literacy learners are especially needed
When: One hour per week for a six month commitment, schedule arranged with your student
Where: Online or a public location
How to apply: Contact Grace Rubenstein at grace@asnpdx.org
Who they serve:Torus provides free English & Life Skills classes in-person and online to immigrant and refugee communities in Oregon and SW Washington. We focus on real-world applications and transformative experiences that learners benefit from in their daily lives.
Volunteer role: Facilitate in-person group classes at Multnomah County Library locations (Rockwood, Eastgate, Capitol Hill), or teach 1:1 online classes. Training and shadowing provided before leading your own class. No experience needed. We're looking for volunteers who share our values, which you can find here. If those resonate with you, we would love to work with you and help you learn how to teach English.
When: Fall, Winter, and Spring terms. Online 1:1 classes run about 2 hours total (1 hour teaching, 1 hour prep and reflection). In-person group classes are at least 2 hours
Where: Online (from anywhere), or in person in Portland/Gresham.
How to apply: Send an email to info@torustransforms.org to get started!