FAQ

Do I need teaching experience to volunteer?

No. Volunteer teachers' aides get on the job training by working with one of REEP's professional teachers. Volunteer teachers receive on-going support and training from the volunteer coordinator. Plus, all volunteers are encouraged to attend training sessions offered through REEP and other local organizations.

Can I volunteer if I don't speak any other languages?

Yes! English is the language of instruction at REEP. Students are encouraged to communicate in English to the best of their abilities.

What if English isn't my first language?

You need to be a fluent English speaker to volunteer in an ESL class; you do not have to be a native speaker. If you are learning English, there may be volunteer opportunities in our office or computer lab. Note that some of our more advanced students want one-on-one conversation practice with native speakers (or people that do not carry any accent).

When and where are the classes?

Classes are given at five locations throughout southern and central Arlington. Class time vary with each location. We offer morning, late afternoon, and evening classes Monday through Friday. More...

What is the difference between the intensive program and outreach center program?

The intensive program is taught by a paid, professional teacher. Classes run in twelve week cycles and students pay a fee for these classes. There are ten different levels. The outreach center program is taught by volunteers. Classes are drop-in and free. The curriculum runs over a course of six months. There are two levels - beginner and intermediate.

Can I choose where I volunteer?

Yes. We have classes at various locations and times of the day and attempt to accommodate the time and place volunteers would like to work. More...

Who are my students?

The adult student body attending REEP classes is diverse in ethnicity, educational level, and economic status. Classes are made up of both refugee and immigrant populations and there is a 50/50 male to female ratio. Students come from all parts of the world, although 75% are Spanish speaking. They range in age from 17 to 70 and come from a variety of educational backgrounds. They are generally very busy either with full-time employment or a number of part-time jobs.

How big is a typical class?

Class sizes vary based on the location and day of week. Classes in the intensive program are about 26 students on average. Outreach center beginner level classes tend to be larger than outreach center intermediate classes.

Can I choose what I teach?

REEP has a life-skills curriculum. Topic areas include such things as: money and banking, community and housing, transportation, and consumerism. If you are working as a teaching assistant, an experienced ESL teacher will be planning the lessons and you will be assisting them to carry them out. If you are teaching your own class in an outreach center you will be given an outline with the topic areas and objectives you will be teaching each week. There is a great deal of latitude involved in how you teach these topics. There is also a curriculum called Neighbor to Neighbor available for your use. More...

What is the time commitment?

We request a once per week commitment for a three-month period of time if you are volunteering as a teaching assistant or literacy tutor. If you are volunteering as a teacher, we ask for a six month commitment. Classes are between 1.5-3 hours long.

What kind of support do I get?

Volunteer teachers' aides get on the job training by working with one of REEP's professional teachers. Volunteer teachers receive on-going support and training from the volunteer coordinator. Plus, all volunteers are encouraged to attend training sessions offered through REEP and other local organizations.

Do I get paid?

No, this is a volunteer position so there is no monetary compensation. Qualified individuals interested in a paid teaching position can apply for one REEP's non-intensive or intensive teaching jobs.

Do I get compensated for costs of teaching materials?

There are various resources available for teachers' use in each of the outreach centers and there are also numerous books available on loan at the REEP library in the Syphax Education Center. Volunteers may also use the copy machine in the Syphax Education Center. Other resources acquired personally by teachers can not be compensated.

What if I need to miss a volunteer day?

Volunteers have busy lives, and there will be days that they are unable to help out at REEP. Volunteer teachers are asked to try to switch with another teacher. If they cannot find a replacement they can contact the volunteer coordinator who will arrange for a sub or cancel the class.

Teaching assistants, lab assistants, and office assistants do not need substitutes, but are asked to let REEP know with as much notice as possible if they are going to miss a class.

Can I be a substitute?

Absolutely! If you have difficulty committing to volunteering one day a week or to a regular schedule this can be a good solution. There is always a need for substitutes at the three outreach centers.

I'm interested, so what do I do now?

Fill out an Online Volunteer Form, or email reep@apsva.us for more information.