Become a Classroom Assistant

Use your time and talent to help adults achieve their educational and career goals.

What will I be doing?

Help an adult in your community:

  • Improve reading comprehension
  • Improve math skills
  • Prepare for the GED® or HiSet tests
  • Learn English as a second language
  • Improve self-confidence

What are the requirements?

  • Internet Access
  • Working toward a Bachelor’s Degree
  • Ability to pass background check (Act 33/44 clearances)
  • Minimum of four hours per week
  • Six month commitment
  • Complete five hours of pre-service training

Where and when can I volunteer?

Classes are held on Zoom, Monday-Thursday in two-hour blocks between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Contact us to ask about in-person opportunities!

Benefits of becoming a volunteer at Goodwill

  • Work with instructors who genuinely care about the progress of each student
  • The opportunity to implement various teaching/learning techniques
  • The chance to explore career opportunities in adult education
  • Volunteering looks great on a resume
  • 25% discount at Goodwill SWPA retail stores
  • Strengthen communication skills working with diverse populations in a human service setting

Interested in learning more? For more information, contact education@goodwillswpa.org.

 

Nick’s Story

Nick was searching for ways to support his community and was inspired by Goodwill’s adult education initiatives, especially our GED program. While he’s done other volunteer work in the past, Nick finds adult education to be the best fit. “Education is one of the best ways to positively change the trajectory of someone’s life. The students are working hard to better their own lives and the lives of their families, so it’s amazing to be a part of that,” he says.

Ever since he started volunteering, Nick has made a tremendous impact on our GED students! In fact, in a small group setting, he has helped 16 students pass their math exam over the last two years.

Nick’s passion for volunteering is rooted in his own family. He saw positive examples of volunteering from his mom and sister, who were also GED tutors. His paternal grandparents were children of immigrants who didn’t have the opportunity to graduate high school. Despite building successful lives for themselves and their families, Nick recognized that it is now harder to accomplish that without a high school or GED diploma.

Nick is proud to see Goodwill’s GED students thrive with his support. He hopes to continue to advocate for the importance of adult education, even in his own workplace. Thank you for all of your guidance and support, Nick!