How to Teach a Free English Course

Teaching a free English course is a way to help others as you convey your knowledge to those who need it. For many, a free English course will give them the basic language skills they need to function in a new language or even a new culture. Since it is possible to get funding for the free English course, you can often be paid to teach a free English course. Sponsorship is often the only way to make a free English course feasible for the teacher.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fluency in English
• Teaching experience or ability
• Classroom or class location
• Sponsor
• Students

1. 
    
   Research

   Research the need locally for a free English course. Are there many immigrants who do not speak English? Are there migrant farm workers who could benefit from a free English course? Discuss the need with those who would know, such as local educators, officials and business owners.

2. Find a location and possible sponsor for your free English course. The local civic center, town department of parks and recreation or adult education center are places to start. Find out if local businesses who hire immigrants or non-English speakers would pay you to offer the class to their employees for free.

3. 
    
   English Students

   Schedule and advertise the free English course. The advertisements may need to be written in Spanish, French, or another language as well as English, depending on your target students.

4. 
    
   Classroom

   Teach the free English course to the interested students. Keep the pace at their ability level, and make the class interesting and fun. Encourage the students to practice as much English as they can while they take the free English class, in order to get the most from the experience.

5. Find out if there is interest in another free English course at the end of the last class. Encourage students to spread the word about the next class you plan to offer.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for free English course resources online.
• Direct students to free online English course supplements on ESL web sites.

[Jederman]

on 1/22/2009 And check out Literacy Volunteers of America. They frequently need volunteers to teach English as a Second Language.