Frequently Asked Questions

How does the ESL Settlement Assistance Program work?

What do tutors do?

How will the ESLSAP Coordinator support my tutoring?

Do I need a teaching background?

Who is a typical tutor?

Who will I tutor?

How are tutors and learners matched?

What is my time commitment?

Will I receive training?

Do I need to know grammar?

Where will the tutoring be held?

How does the ESL Settlement Assistance Program work?
The first step is for the program coordinator to match volunteers and learners. Each volunteer tutor receives training before meeting with the learner and then meets with his/her learner along with the program coordinator for the first session. After this initial meeting, most of the tutoring is done one-on-one, so each tutor/learner partnership arranges a time and place to meet that is convenient to both.
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What do tutors do?
Tutors plan lessons and tutor their learner on a regular basis, usually once or twice per week. Tutoring sessions might include informal conversations, games, outings and sharing social events. It’s really up to the tutor and learner to decide what kinds of activities work best. Tutors receive support on the phone, in workshops, through newsletters and in one-to-one conferences with the coordinator.
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How will the ESLSAP Coordinator support my tutoring?
The ESLSAP Coordinator is the person to ask if you have any questions or need assistance with tutoring. The coordinator can help you choose suitable learning materials and provide suggestions on how to help your learner. You should keep in close communication with your coordinator and let her/him know if you have to take a break from tutoring, wish to stop, or if your learner is unable to continue.
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Do I need a teaching background?
No, it’s not necessary to have a teaching background; what’s most important is that you be open-minded and enthusiastic. Often the kind of help an immigrant needs may be learning more about the local community— how to find out about swimming lessons for their children or how to put a classified ad in the paper. Or they may want help in understanding the headlines in the local paper.
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Who is a typical tutor?
Volunteer tutors are community members ages 19 and older, from all walks of life. Tutors work one-on-one with immigrants, helping them learn the English language. Many tutors also, in turn, look forward to learning more about different cultures.
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Who will I tutor?
The learners are either immigrants or refugees who range in age from their early 20s to 70s who have settled in your community. They may be either new to the community or have lived there for a long time. Their language levels can range from beginner to fairly advanced. They are typically people who have difficulty attending regular ESL classes for a variety of reasons, such as childcare commitments, shift work, or on-call work.
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How are tutors and learners matched?
Tutors and learners may be matched in the following ways: common interests, similar careers or vocations, or life experience.
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What is my time commitment?
Two, 1-hour sessions, or one, 2-hour session per week is all that we ask. We realize that people have busy lives and we can be flexible according to your needs.
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Will I receive training?
Yes! Program providers will help you understand the barriers faced by newcomers in adapting to a new culture and language. You will also learn how to plan lessons and activities. This training will also give you insight into the process of language learning and will give you the skills you need to effectively assist in this process.
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Do I need to know grammar?
All of the learners in the ESL Settlement Assistance Program already know a language. The important thing is to work on communication skills to help each person become part of his/her community. Some simple grammar may be useful but is not necessary to the learner’s success.
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Where will the tutoring be held?
Tutors and learners decide together on the location. Many people meet in the local library, community centre or a coffee shop. Your program coordinator will discuss the location that best suits you and your learner.
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