Job description
ESL Tutor for Fall 2026
Elena’s Light (a non-profit organization) seeks motivated remote ESL (English as a Second Language) tutors! Tutors will be matched with one student, who they will teach for the entirety of the semester. Some experience teaching ESL or tutoring any subject is appreciated and helpful. Still, more than anything, a willingness to learn how to tutor ESL is the most important quality – we provide the training, and all the educational materials and support you need to prepare for your role!
Our ESL services were the first services we offered at Elena’s Light, and we have continued our ESL program since our founding. For a myriad of reasons, ranging from unreliable transportation to the need to provide intensive care to disabled children or family members, we provide remote ESL classes to many women in refugee and immigrant communities. Our curriculum is unique compared to traditional ESL classes in that it was designed with accessibility in mind; as such, we focus on teaching the necessary vocabulary that allows refugees and immigrants to embrace their independence and navigate necessary day-to-day encounters, ranging from an exchange with a cashier at the grocery store to communicating with doctors and their children’s educators.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Prepare lesson plans relevant to the student’s goals; feel free to include creative homework and practice opportunities!
- Demonstrate patience, flexibility, and sensitivity to the needs and abilities of adults learning to read and speak English.
- Maintain a portfolio of your student’s achievements.
- Periodically submit progress reports to Elena’s Light Program Coordinator about these academic and life skill achievements.
- Consistently communicate with Elena’s Light Program Coordinators about your student’s progress, your experience as a tutor in the ESL Program, and more.
BENEFITS:
- Opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women refugees by helping them improve their English skills and integration into the community.
- Become immersed in enriching cultural exchanges and learn about the diverse backgrounds of your students.
- Flexible work hours to accommodate your schedule.
- Earn community service or volunteer hours for academic requirements, professional development, or personal fulfillment while making a meaningful impact.
REQUIREMENTS:
The tutor/student relationship is the founding core of the Elena’s Light program. Your tutoring will build program participants’ self-esteem and help them achieve life-changing milestones. Volunteers are asked to meet the following criteria to be eligible for participation as a tutor:
- Have a valid telephone number.
- Be able to read, write, and speak English well enough to communicate clearly both orally and in written form.
- Be willing to tutor at least two (2) hours each week.
- Be able to communicate with both your student and Elena’s Light Program coordinators if you must miss or reschedule a class.
- Have a reliable internet connection for the virtual tutoring sessions.
TIME COMMITMENTS:
- At least 2 hours per week tutoring your student.
- However long it takes you to prepare your lesson plan and other class materials.
- The occasional program-related event may include training sessions and other activities, but we will always notify you in advance.
Check with your school’s Internship Coordinator BEFORE accepting the hiring offer to determine if this position satisfies the criteria for receiving academic credit.
