Volunteer ESL Tutoring Program


In order for refugees to thrive in our community, they must develop basic English language skills. Bridge's ESL Tutor Training Program has opened the door of English comprehension and literacy for hundreds of new arrivals since its inception only two years ago.

Bridge trains ESL volunteers who have committed to tutoring a new arrival as part of their church sponsorship team. We also train volunteers in the community who would like to be paired with a refugee who has special needs (example: vocational ESL for a specific job, Citizenship Test preparation, etc.).

Bridge provides a six-hour training for all volunteer tutors, and then each tutor is "matched" with a learner whose schedule is compatible. The ESL Coordinator makes a preliminary assessment of the learner's proficiency and helps the tutor establish a base level. She will also introduce tutor and learner. Finally, our ESL Coordinator serves as a resource/technical support person throughout the tutoring period. She performs the follow-up evaluations and intervenes if there are any problems. You are encouraged to contact her if you have any questions, problems or comments about your experience as a tutor.

If you would like to make a three-month commitment to tutoring a refugee, please call Bridge Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. OR fill out our Volunteer Information Form and we will contact you.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Bridge ESL Tutoring Program:

1. Do I have to speak the languages of my students to help them learn English?

No! Although sharing a common language with your students might make things easier at times, you can teach anyone - even total beginners - English, without speaking a common language. In the training, you will learn how to use pictures, objects, gestures, the Total Physical Response (TPR) Method, and simple question-and-answer sequences to communicate with and teach.

2. Should I insist that my student(s) speak English only during our lessons?

This is an ongoing debate in the world of ESL. Luckily, you are in a tutoring situation, and you can allow your students to make that decision. If you are teaching more than one student, it is possible that the more proficient student can play a peer teaching role and relieve you of always having to be the expert.

3. I love learning new languages, but my student(s) do not seem to enjoy it very much. Why does it seem to be a chore for them?

Refugees experience what is sometimes called "language fatigue". Even for people who speak and understand some English, it is easy to tune out "language noise" from television, work, social workers, etc. It is a relief for most refugees to be in a place where they can freely express themselves. And they can only do that in their native language.

4. What training materials does Bridge provide?

Bridge has a standard inventory of materials which you will be trained to use in your lessons, and we also have a lending library so that you can choose subjects that you think might interest your student. Generally, however, your creativity is your greatest resource. You do not have to use expensive materials to teach someone English - you can make an endless variety of materials from the things around you. Use a lot of "realia". See the training folder for a list of just a few of the things you can dig up.

5. What if issues that are not ESL-related are brought to my attention by the family?

Please feel free to contact Bridge and ask for a caseworker if your student is having problems. We are always reachable by e-mail (bridgeref@aol.com).

6. Should I assign homework to my students?

Yes! Even with busy students, try to incorporate some homework into their curriculum. The interplay with what they study in class and what they practice on their own is important. Word lists, dialogue journals, and assignments to use what they learned in a real-life situation can all be very helpful.

7. How should I structure my lessons?

You should always have clear objectives for your lessons. A useful format is:





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