Talk English is a new project which aims to help people with little or no English learn English and get more involved in the wider community.
They are looking for enthusiastic, committed volunteers who want to make a real difference to people’s lives and teach English. As a volunteer ESOL teacher with Talk English, you will help people to improve their English skills by co-teaching a Talk English ESOL course alongside another volunteer in a community setting. Talk English Courses run once a week for up to 36 weeks.
In return for your teaching commitment, you will receive free training and be supported to achieve a professional teaching qualification at Level 3. If you already have a teaching qualification (i.e. PTLLS/CTLLS/DTLLS or CELTA/Cert. TESOL or PGCE), there is a fast track training course to prepare you for teaching ESOL on the Talk English project.
To be a volunteer ESOL teacher you will need to be able to demonstrate excellent skills in spoken and written English at Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) and good computer skills at Level 1. You will also need to be able to commit to volunteering for one morning or afternoon a week, Monday to Friday for a minimum of 30 weeks, as well as attending one of the training courses starting in March.
So what’s Talk English all about?
Funded by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG), the Talk English project aims to improve the language skills of people with little or no English in Blackburn with Darwen, Bradford, Burnley, Hyndburn, Kirklees, Manchester, Oldham, Pendle and Rochdale.
The Talk English project is:
1. Offering Talk English Courses in community settings to help people improve their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in English. These courses are taught by volunteer ESOL teachers who are trained and supported through the project.
2. Recruiting, training and supporting volunteer Talk English Friends who will offer 1:1 support to people with low levels of English in order to help them improve their language skills, access services and get more involved in their community.
3. Working with local businesses and public services to increase ESOL awareness in staff and train them to be ‘sympathetic listeners’, enabling more people with low levels of English to Talk English Here and access services.
4. Working with local services and community organisations, Talk English Activities will take place to provide further opportunities for people to practise their English.
5. Developing a Talk English Website to provide general information about all aspects of the project and provide training and learning resources for Talk English volunteers and learners.
What’s in it for me?
This is a great opportunity for you to gain experience and develop new skills while making a difference to peoples’ lives. You’ll get to meet people from all over the world, learn about other cultures and be part of a really exciting project.
So how do I get involved?
If you’re interested in finding out more, complete the online application form, here: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/103532JMRCX by Sunday 23 February 2014
You’ll then be invited to an information session where you’ll be able to find out if this is the right opportunity for you.
For further information, contact Elena Jones, Talk English Area Coordinator (Manchester), on 0771 778 8673, or email: [email protected]