Lincoln Adult Education Center (LAEC) is an energetic, thriving adult basic education program in downtown Minneapolis. We offer mainly English as a second language classes to adult immigrants and refugees from over 65 countries and 35 language groups.  Many of our students are speakers of Spanish, Somali and Oromo.  We hold morning classes Monday through Friday and afternoon and evening classes Monday through Thursday.   We use volunteers as in-class assistants, outside of class tutors, and as instructors for additional classes such as math, citizenship and reading and writing.   

 Responsibilities:

At LAEC, the VISTA will serve as the volunteer coordinator.  The VISTA will first observe and volunteer in classes for one week in order to understand the system as well as maintain continued student/teacher contact throughout the service year.  The VISTA will then recruit, orient, coordinate and supervise volunteers to serve the program both inside and outside of the regular classes.  This person may develop additional workshops, mini-courses and classes to be taught by volunteers.  The VISTA will work on partnerships with local colleges, universities, businesses and condominium associations as sources for volunteers and other resources.  The VISTA may develop volunteer projects which require Saturday work. Finally, the VISTA will be asked to assist with writing articles for the quarterly school newsletter, writing quarterly and annual reports for stakeholders, and planning for volunteer recognition.  The VISTA will attend LAEC staff meetings and MLC Metro Area Volunteer Coordinator meetings/workshops. 

 
Qualifications:

The VISTA must have experience with and sensitivity to cross cultural communication including the ability to appropriately adapt speech with learners of English.  The VISTA must also have the ability to work well with people of diverse ages, socio-economic, cultural and religious backgrounds.  The excellent candidate will have computer skills, strong oral and written communication skills, and be responsible, mature, organized and flexible/adaptable.  This includes a willingness to look into a variety of opportunities as they present themselves and a motivation to explore new opportunities on a regular basis. Finally, the desired candidate must be able to work well both independently and as part of a team. 

Contact:
Elizabeth Sullivan            
612-871-6350, ext. 12
bsullivan@lincolnadulted.org

For more information and to apply to this program, please click here