Classroom Assistance at Norwalk High School

One of St. Paul’s outreach programs takes volunteers into a Norwalk High classroom where we assist an extraordinary teacher with group exercises. The students are part of Norwalk’s International Academy, a school within a school for non-English-speaking children who are beginning school in this country and not yet skilled enough in English to be in the bi-lingual program. All of the students live with families or friends who are sponsoring them.Those of us who have been volunteering in this program have found the students to be highly motivated both to learn English and also to learn math skills.

This year has seen an over 200% increase in the number of students, and the teacher would very much like more help. She plans lessons around our being there to help her in the classroom.

While we have called this program tutoring in the past, that is perhaps a misleading label. We are assisting in the classroom.

The skills needed for this volunteer job are caring, patience, a desire to help, a sense of humor, and some arithmetic. We can promise that you will receive far more than you give, as you see students learn new vocabulary and new skills and an extraordinary teacher devote herself to their learning.

Classes are Friday mornings from 8-9 and 9-10:30 at Norwalk High. No regular weekly commitment is required. If you are interested in participating, please email Sarah Johnson at slj49@pobox.com for more information.