ENGLISH LEARNING CENTER

COMPUTER TUTOR:NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

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Our Mission

At the English Learning Center, we are a learning

community of refugees, immigrants and advocates.

Our mission is building knowledge for better lives

and livelihoods.

Our core value is to educationally empower our students and their families towards

self-determination . We desire for our students to determine for themselves what

constitutes success. Our goal is to tear down the barriers of language and culture so

our students can make their dreams happen, whatever those dreams may be.

Aziza

Aziza was an English 5/6 student, but she did not enter the school at such a high level. Just a couple short years earlier, Aziza was a new student in English 2. She studied hard and rapidly advanced to English 4! Aziza took a year off when she had her child, but she did not stop studying. She returned to school and placed into English 5/6. Aziza stayed in that class for nearly a year, closely watching her test results; anxious to “graduate” from this course as well. Finally, the day came when Aziza’s test score leapt out of range for her class and we knew she was ready to move on. She passed the GED entrance exam on her first attempt! Her goals is to study nursing.

Aziza

Aziza was an English 5/6 student, but she did not enter the school at such a high level. Just a couple short years earlier, Aziza was a new student in English 2. She studied hard and rapidly advanced to English 4! Aziza took a year off when she had her child, but she did not stop studying. She returned to school and placed into English 5/6. Aziza stayed in that class for nearly a year, closely watching her test results; anxious to “graduate” from this course as well. Finally, the day came when Aziza’s test score leapt out of range for her class and we knew she was ready to move on. She passed the GED entrance exam on her first attempt! Her goals is to study nursing.

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Program History

In 1981, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church developed an English literacy program.

In 1981, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church developed an English literacy program.

In 1994, the English Language Project was renamed the English Learning Center.

In 1994, the English Language Project was renamed the English Learning Center.

In 2004, legal responsibility was transferred from the church to a new nonprofit, Our Saviour’s Community Services (formerly Our Saviour’s Outreach Ministries).

In 2004, legal responsibility was transferred from the church to a new nonprofit, Our Saviour’s Community Services (formerly Our Saviour’s Outreach Ministries).

In August of 2010, the English Learning Center absorbed the UCAM English School and offered a morning program for the first time in 29 years.

In August of 2010, the English Learning Center absorbed the UCAM English School and offered a morning program for the first time in 29 years.

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Cultural Awareness

Muslim students

Students pray 5 times a day

In the restrooms there are plastic jugs to cleanse their bodies before they pray – don’t throw these away

There is a separate praying area for men and women

Source: http://www.mapsofworld.com

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Cultural Awareness

General Don’ts

Don’t touch a student for any reason, even if it’s only to give them a pat for doing a good job.

Do not shake hands with any student unless they initiate the greeting.

Depending on their educational background many of our students are less familiar with American classroom etiquette and cultural differences.

Be aware of your body language and how it can be misinterpreted or inappropriate.

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Emergency Preparedness Plan – Inclement Weather and Fire Evacuation

In case of a fire

•1) Evacuate the building immediately

•2) Instruct all students to leave calmly and meet in courtyard in back of church or yard north of Men’s Transitional House

If there is severe weather -- determine your own safety for travel. Call by 3pm to see if school will be cancelled.

If severe weather occurs such as a blizzard while class is in session, encourage students to stay at the school until it is safe to go home.

If class is in session and a tornado watch or warning is issued, keep students in the classrooms if we are in or near the path of the storm. Ensure everyone crouches down and protects his or her head from flying debris.

For any other emergency that may require medical attention or law enforcement call 911.

Responsibilities as an Open Lab Computer Tutor

Volunteer once a week (2 hours) for one full term.

Arrive on time. Notify ELC staff if you will be unable to

volunteer. If you know in advance, you need to find a substitute.

Assist students one-on-one or in small groups with class assignments, projects, and personal computer use.

Adapt your tutoring to meet the needs of various learning styles and levels of comprehension.

Responsibilities as an Open Lab Computer Tutor

Provide a positive and safe learning experience for students.

Log maintenance issues or software updates.

Ensure that students comply with computer lab policies and procedures.

Keep accurate records of students and volunteer hours.

Adhere to Volunteer Boundaries Agreement.

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Connect with ELC on Facebook

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http://www.facebook.com/englishlearningcenter

Contact Information11

Morning Program: Colleen CaseyP: (612) 874-9963 x 3colleen@englishlc.org

Evening Program:Jenne NelsonP: (612) 874-9963 x 2jenne@englishlc.org