|
|
Jobs & Internships
English for Action / Ingles en Acción
Creating Participatory Educational Programs for Latino Families in Providence
www.englishforaction.org
Organizational Background
English for Action (EFA) is a grassroots non-profit organization pursuing a mission to create participatory educational programs for Latino immigrant families and community members with the goal of achieving meaningful and community-based social change. Rooted in the Providence, RI neighborhood of Olneyville, EFA is committed to positive social change in the greater Providence community.
EFA's participatory philosophy drives both its organizational structure and its teaching methodologies. In the classroom, EFA facilitators and learners are equal partners, working collaboratively to develop curriculum that reflect learners' issues and life experiences. EFA's programs utilize innovative tools- such as the visual arts, theater of the oppressed and action projects - to link language learning, leadership development, community-building and to engage adults and younger learners in dialogue, reflection and collaboration.
Founded in 1999 by two Brown University students and 10 immigrant families, EFA has grown and today operates five educational programs that engage more than 100 immigrant families and residents and more than 40 volunteers each year.
Programs
In the Spring 2008 Semester, English for Action will have eight adult ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes. Most of our classes are organized by language level: from Beginner to Advanced.
Our Spring 2008 Semester runs from January 26th to May 14th. Facilitator trainings will take place on the weekends of January 26th-27th and April 12th and 13th. Trainings are mandatory.
AVAILABLE OPENINGS:
● AmeriCorps VISTA Development Coordinator
● Education Director
● Executive Director
● Conversation Partner
● ESOL Assistant Facilitator Internship
● Volunteer Grant Researcher
● OurSchool/NuestraEscuela Youth Mentor
● ESOL Tutor Internship
I. AmeriCorps VISTA Development Coordinator
The AmeriCorps member’s main role will be to help build the financial
sustainability of English for Action. To do this, the VISTA will work to
cultivate new and existing relationship with foundations, corporations, and
individuals to increase support for English for Action‚s program. Some
activities will include: preparing grant proposals; writing and mailing the
EFA newsletter; preparing and distributing press releases; and organizing
EFA’s annual soccer fundraiser, the EFA Cup. Working with other staff, the
AmeriCorps member will document program successes and challenges, and
evaluate specific projects. Other activities may include: creating content
for the EFA website; taking video and written testimonies of learners in
class; and corresponding regularly with funders.
Terms: Requires full time service without outside commitments
Work Schedule: Full time
Service Area: Education
Length of Tour: 1 year
Age Requirement- Minimum: 20 Maximum: None
Skill Requirement(s):
General Skills, Writing/Editing
Education Requirement: High School Graduate/GED
Language Requirement: Spanish a plus
Program Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Choice of Education Award or End of
Service Stipend, Health Coverage, Living Allowance, Relocation Allowance,
Training
How to Apply: To apply please email a cover letter, resume and writing sample to
vivianaknowles@hotmail.com.
or mail to:
English for Action
P.O. Box 29405
Providence, RI 02909
II. Education Director
Job Title: Education Director
Organization: English For Action
Location: Providence, RI
Salary: High 30s with health benefits and 4 week paid vacation
Start Date: Flexible. On or around July 15th, 2008
Full Time
Permanent
Job Description
The Adult Education Director's main roles are:
1) to develop and document English for Action's participatory ESOL
curriculum and
2) to recruit, train, and support volunteer and paid ESOL facilitators to
implement that curriculum.
The Adult Education Director also coordinates leadership development and
community-building efforts across the organization.
Finally, it is the Adult Education Director's responsibility to oversee the
administration of the ESOL classes.
Skills and Qualifications
· Passion for EFA's participatory philosophy
· Knowledge and experience in adult ESOL instruction (masters or
bachelor's degree in education not required, but a plus)
· Ability to inspire others to participate and collaborate
· Experience facilitating meetings and/ or leading workshops
· Experience with community-based leadership development a plus
· Experience supervising and managing volunteers and paid staff
members
· Excellent organizational skills
· Flexible work hours—available during evenings and some weekends
· Bilingual in Spanish and English
How to Apply: Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Interviews will begin on/around
May 15th, 2007.
Interested candidates should provide EFA with
1. A resume
2. A cover letter (of no more than 2 pages) which addresses the following
questions:
* Why are you interested in this position?
* What skills and strengths do you bring to this position?
* How will you create a healthy learning environment at trainings, in
the classrooms, at staff meetings, and at community events?
* What will your greatest challenges in this job be, and how will you
face those challenges?
* How will working for EFA relate to your ideas about community
development and social change?
Please, send all materials to:
Alicia@englishforaction.org or Education Director Search Committee, English
for Action, P.O. Box 29405, Providence, RI, 02909.
Please note, in preparing their application materials, candidates are
strongly encouraged to learn more about EFA's mission, philosophy, programs,
staff, history, and the Olneyville community by visiting EFA's Web site,
www.englishforaction.org <http://www.englishforaction.org/
A more detailed job description will be available in early June. If you
would like to receive it directly, please contact
Alicia@englishforaction.org
III. Job Description: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
English for Action seeks a passionate, energetic and creative full-time executive director to provide leadership to the organization as it seeks to increase sustainability and community impact. The responsibilities of the executive director include the following:
- Program Management and Support: Oversee all programs, services and activities. Work with staff to ensure that EFA’s mission is being carried out in accordance with the strategic plan. Promote an organizational culture that is participatory, inclusive and open. Ensure the highest levels of quality and service by inspiring staff to perform at their peak.
- Fiscal Management: Ensure that EFA is fiscally sound and that the budget supports programs. Present and interpret budgets to the board. Maintain records that allow for accuracy and ease of applying for grants and reporting expenses appropriately. Provide timely and accurate fiscal reports to funders.
- Administrative Management: Recruit talented, qualified, and energetic staff. Manage, mentor and supervise full- and part-time program staff and ensure they are fulfilling their work plans and receiving appropriate professional development support through regular staff meetings, staff retreats, trainings and individual check-ins around their professional development plans.
- Relationship Building: Build on EFA’s reputation as a grass roots, innovative and professional organization. Work with individuals and organizations within the community and to develop and foster meaningful collaborations to better serve our learners. Build on vital relationships with foundations, government and corporate partners, and major individual donors. Develop and lead the implementation of the organization’s public relations plan. Be an advocate for EFA’s mission, model, and programs.
- Fund Development: Develop and sustain a diverse funding base to support the organization’s programs and to provide for growth. Continue to seek opportunities for obtaining new grants, foundation relationships, and for increasing corporate and individual giving.
- Board Development: Work with the Board of Directors to develop an engaged, effective, informed and energized board. Serve ex-officio on board committees. Provide opportunities to board members to contribute creatively to the goals of the organization. Provide the board appropriate program and fiscal reports. Assist in identifying and recruiting new candidates to create a balanced and actively involved team. Foster regular communication between board and staff.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in education, social work, nonprofit management, or related field.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish.
- At least 3 years work experience in a leadership position, preferably for a non-profit organization, including management of staff and volunteers. Ability to lead people, set goals, establish priorities, maintain focus and get results, while working to engage others in participatory decision making.
- Proven success in resource development, including experience in grant writing, event planning, and working with individual donors.
- A proven commitment to adult education, literacy, immigration, and other social justice issues as they relate to the Latino community.
- Ability to work in a team oriented, highly participatory environment with a sense of inclusiveness in decision making. Ability to be flexible and be available for evening and weekend work as appropriate. Ability to work with a minimum amount of privacy in an environment where interruptions may be frequent.
Additional Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in adult education and familiarity with popular education strongly preferred.
- Experience with effective evaluation systems for grant-funded programs.
- Experience in social activism.
- Demonstrated experience building strong relationships with a variety of people, including clients, staff members, community leaders, donors, board members, funders and the community at large.
- Experience with managing budgets and preparing fiscal reports for the board and funders.
- Excellent communications skills including written, inter-personal, and public speaking
Reporting: The executive director reports to the Board of Directors.
Salary: Commensurate with experience. Medical benefits and 4 weeks paid vacation.
Start Date: January 21st, 2008
Process: Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Interviews will begin on/around December 4th, 2007.
Interested candidates should forward their resume and cover letter to: EFA.Search@gmail.com or Search Committee, English for Action, P.O. Box 29405, Providence, RI, 02909.
Please note, in preparing their application materials, candidates are strongly encouraged to learn more about EFA’s mission, philosophy, programs, staff, history, and the Olneyville community by visiting EFA’s Web site, www.englishforaction.org.
Please direct all inquiries to EFA.Search@gmail.com.
IV. Job Description: CONVERSATION PARTNER
Conversation Partners Program Description
Conversation Partners Program was created as a support program to help adult learners who are currently enrolled in our ESOL classes practice their English speaking and listening skills outside of their regular ESOL class hours with native English speakers. Each volunteer supports one learner by meeting weekly with her/him for two hours to converse and share stories, experiences and beliefs, while practicing both English and Spanish speaking and listening skills.
Currently, English For Action offers participatory ESOL classes to adult immigrants learners from 6:30-8:30pm Monday-Thursday at the William D'Abate Elementary school located on Kossuth Ave, in Olneyville, Providence.
Conversation Partner sessions will be held twice a week (most likely on one weeknight from 6:30 – 8:30pm and Saturday mornings from 10:00am – Noon). These times are still subject to change.
The Conversation Partner responsibilities include:
- A commitment of 2 hrs a week dedicated to one-on-one conversation with an ESOL learner
- Participate in EFA orientation and training (2nd week of September)
- Participate in one hour weekly debriefing of / reflection on your experience
- 3-4 hrs of overall time commitment/week
Conversations Partners will run for 14 weeks during the fall 2007 semester. Providence College volunteers are required to commit to learning and sharing with the English For Action community during these weeks and are encouraged and welcome to continue their commitment after the fall semester.
Salary/Wages:
This is an unpaid position unless applicant is eligible to receive Federal Work Study through their university. Former EFA learners who become conversation partners will receive a stipend.
Application Process:
A. If you are new to English For Action, follow the guidelines below:
1. Send a resume, or list of work and volunteer experiences (especially in education or community work).
2. Send a cover letter (of no more than 2 pages) that answers the following questions:
* Why are you interested in this position?
* What experience, skills and strengths do you bring to this position?
* How will you create a healthy learning environment in the classroom, at staff meetings, and at community events?
* What will your greatest challenges in this job be, and how will you face those challenges?
* How will working for EFA relate to your ideas about community development and social change?
B. If you are applying as a current Assistant Facilitator or Literacy Facilitator or Tutor follow the guidelines below:
1. Send an updated resume
2. Send a letter (no more than a page) answering the following questions:
* Why are you interested in this position?
* What have you learned during your time at English For Action?
* What has been the most challenging and the most productive during your time here?
* What changes do you hope to implement in order to overcome these challenges? What kind of support will you need from EFA staff to implement these? How do you hope to continue succeeding?
* What advice do you have for EFA to better fulfill its mission?
3. Interview: In your cover letter, please indicate when you will be available for an interview. If you are not available in person for interview, we can arrange to have an interview over the phone.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will begin at the start of July.
Position Start Date: December 14th, 2007, but you can also start a few weeks later.
Please send all documents to Alicia.Pantoja@gmail.com. For more information regarding the position, please contact Alicia Pantoja at (401) 421-3181.
V. Job Description: ESOL ASSISTANT FACILITATOR INTERNSHIP
ESOL Facilitator Responsibilities:
-- Facilitate a class of adult English learners two evenings per week, from 6:30-8:30pm
-- Work with a co-facilitator to prepare lesson plans and curriculum.
-- Attend weekly meetings with the facilitator team for reflection, support, and specific skill development
-- Help organize and participate in grassroots fundraising efforts and graduation celebrations
-- Complete administrative responsibilities, such as registration, attendance, evaluation, and assessment.
Applicants should be proficient in Spanish, and have enthusiasm for team-work, community-building, and social change. Prior experience in the fields of education, organizing, or community work is not required, but a plus. Applicants must be able to commit to working at least 10 hours a week.
Salary:
ESOL Facilitator is a volunteer position, unless you are eligible to receive Federal Work Study through your University. Former EFA learners who become facilitators receive a stipend.
How to Apply:
- Send a resume, or list of work and volunteer experiences (especially in education or community work).
- Send a cover letter (of no more than 2 pages) that answers the following questions:
- Why are you interested in this position?
- What skills and strengths do you bring to this position?
- How will you create a healthy learning environment in the classroom, at staff meetings, and at community events?
- What will your greatest challenges in this job be, and how will you face those challenges?
- How will working for EFA relate to your ideas about community development and social change?
- Interview: In your cover letter, please indicate when you will be available for an interview. If you are not available in person for interview, we can arrange to have an interview over the phone.
Facilitators are being hired on a rolling basis. No applications will be received after December 14th.
Please send all materials to alicia.pantoja@gmail.com or mail it to:
Alicia Pantoja
English for Action, Education Director
Box 29405
Providence, RI 02909
For more information, contact Alicia at 421.3181 or email alicia.pantoja@gmail.com
VI. Job Description: VOLUNTEER GRANT RESEARCHER
Position Description:
Student position under the general direction of the Development Coordinator and supervision of the Executive Director to assist in the research process of grants that English for Action qualifies. The volunteer position will also assist in developing a database of grants which are categorized by the specificity of programs and deadlines. The volunteer will also learn the process of grant writing and will assist in fundraising events.
Qualifications:
- Dedication to a min of 5 and a max of 10 hours of volunteer hours/week
- Familiarity with Microsoft office Programs, Word, Excel … etc.
- Ability to conversate in Spanish is a plus but not required
For more information:
Please contact Bianca Bonilla at (401) 421-381 or biancs84@gmail.com if you are interested in this position!!
VII. Job Description: OURSCHOOL/NUESTRAESCUELA YOUTH MENTOR
Position Description:
OurSchool brings together Mentors and Youth in a collaborative learning environment, structured around arts and education. Through a curriculum designed by both the Mentors and the Youth, NuestraEscuela enhances creativity, confidence, and critical thinking skills of the youth so that they can better succeed in all that they do.
As an evening arts and education program, we work with Latino youth ages 5-13 while their parents are taking ESOL classes. NuestraEscuela is based on creating a curriculum that seeks to empower youth through educational arts while seeking to challenge them to use their critical thinking skills. We aim to explore the themes of art, history, culture, and community through unique lesson plans that offer space for the youth to develop their voices and to cultivate a sense of pride.
Our goal is to foster an environment where youth are empowered to take their learning into their own hands and find a supportive community there to aid them. We inspire all to step up to this educational philosophy while simultaneously nurturing a community of respect and collaboration amongst the Mentors and the Youth.
Recognizing that students come into the classroom with various challenges occurring in their lives, NuestraEscuela attempts to construct a curriculum that responds to those challenges and prepares the students to move through them with pride and dignity. In addition, NuestraEscuela aims to provide holistic services to the whole of EFA families through constant communication with the youth's parents and teachers.
Most of all, NuestraEscuela will continually practice the central tenets of community building each day: Love and Respect to all members.
OurSchool operates whenever ESOL classes are scheduled: Mon-Thurs 6:30-8:30pm
Responsibilities of an OurSchool Mentor include:
-attending OurSchool two evenings/week
-attending lesson planning meetings twice a month
-attending two training retreats a semester
-Spanish language skills not required, but encouraged!
Salary/Wages:
This is an unpaid position unless applicant is eligible to receive Federal Work Study through their university.
Application Process:
Send a resume and cover letter explaining your previous work with youth, arts, and/or education. Also please explain what draws you to OurSchool and EFA and how working with EFA will relate to your ideas about social change and community development.
Please send this information (or any questions) to Carla, the Youth and Family Coordinator of EFA at carla.doughty@gmail.com
OurSchool accepts applications year-round and operates from September-December and January-May.
VIII. Job Description: ESOL TUTOR INTERNSHIP
Position Background
In the Fall 2007 Semester, English for Action will have six adult ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes. Our classes are organized by language level: we have four different levels, from Beginner to Advanced. Our Fall 2007 Semester runs from September 4th to December 20th. Tutors will participate in ESOL Training before working with learners in order to become familiar with EFA’s unique classrooms. Tutors will prepare weekly tutoring plans and working with one-another as well as the Tutoring Coordinator and EFA Staff. Building a personal relationship with the learner as well as fellow tutors will create a rich experience for all.
ESOL Tutor Responsibilities:
- Observe and help facilitate a class of adult English learners on an evening twice a month from 6:30-8pm, as well as tutor an English language learner at our Saturday Drop-In center from 10-noon or Thursdays from 6:30-8pm.
- Spend 2 hrs a week preparing a weekly tutoring lesson plan based on what the learner is working on in their ESOL class
- Participate in and help run graduation celebrations.
- Commit for a total of 4-6 hrs a week
Applicants should be proficient in Spanish, and have enthusiasm for team-work, community-building, and social change. Prior experience in the fields of education, organizing, or community work is not required, but a plus. Applicants must be able to commit to working at least 6 hours a week.
Salary:
ESOL Tutor is a volunteer position
How to Apply:
Send a resume, or list of work and volunteer experiences (especially in education or community work).
Send a cover letter (of no more than 2 pages) that answers the following questions:
- Why are you interested in this position?
- What skills and strengths do you bring to this position?
- How will you create a healthy learning environment in the classroom, at staff meetings, and at community events?
- What will your greatest challenges in this job be, and how will you face those challenges?
- How will working for EFA relate to your ideas about community development and social change?
Interview : In your cover letter, please indicate when you will be available for an interview. If you are not available in person for interview, we can arrange to have an interview over the phone.
Facilitators are being hired on a rolling basis.
Please send all documents to Ben Biller at Benjamin_Biller@yahoo.com. For more information regarding the position, please contact Ben Biller at (401) 421-3181.
You may mail materials to:
Ben Biller, ESOL Tutoring Coordinator
Box 29405
Providence, RI 02909
|
