Volunteers
Our Tutors
We are a group of Arizona State University (ASU) students and community members who volunteer to serve local refugees under the American Muslim Women’s Association (AMWA). Founded by a former caseworker at Lutheran Social Services and three ASU students, we have now grown to be a group of approximately fifteen tutors, many of whom specialize in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
Qualifications
All active volunteers, including those residing out-of-state, are required to have an Arizona Level One IVP fingerprint clearance card. The majority of our tutors are pursuing or have a master's degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages (MTESOL), but this is not the case for all tutors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do you accept as tutors?
While teaching experience and/or experience working with refugees is valuable, we are open to connecting with adult (18+) volunteers from a variety of backgrounds. Most importantly, our tutors must have the ability to be consistent, flexible, and patient with our students.
How often do you accept tutors?
Applications for the fall semester are due by August 26th, and applications for the spring semester are due by January 26th. Any applications received after these dates will be considered for the start of the upcoming semester.
What qualifications do tutors need to have?
All active volunteers, including those residing out-of-state, are required to have an Arizona Level One IVP fingerprint clearance card. Additionally, depending on your experience, you may begin as a tutor-in-training and work with a mentor before teaching independently.
Is there a minimum number of hours/months that tutors are expected to volunteer?
All tutors will be expected to volunteer for at least one hour, once per week, for a minimum of six months.
What is a typical session like?
Because our lessons are tailored to the needs of each individual student, there is no typical session! That being said, we do provide a host of resources for lesson planning to our tutors and encourage collaboration.
How many students do tutors work with at once?
We require all tutors to work with at least one student; however, tutors are welcome to work with up to five students.
How often do tutors meet with their student(s)?
Typically, tutors meet with each student for one hour, once per week. While this may vary by student, the coordinators will inform tutors of any special requests to the best of their ability before any commitments are made.
Is this a virtual or in-person volunteer opportunity?
Virtual! All lessons are conducted via Zoom.
Do you have a physical location?
No. Along with tutoring sessions, any interviews, meetings, or professional development opportunities will be held online.
Do you offer any professional development opportunities?
Yes, we do! Once per month, we offer a tutor development workshop for our volunteers to build community and promote resource sharing.
Do tutors receive payment?
No. This is a volunteer opportunity.