Volunteer Classroom Aide

Become a Volunteer Classroom Aide

See Also: Volunteer Classroom Aide Application

Overview

Volunteer Classroom Aides assist classroom teachers at Delaware County Literacy Council (DCLC) in delivering instruction to adult students. DCLC Volunteer Classroom Aides provide assistance during at least one full class per week. An exception to the full class rule is made for ASE GED subject-specific classroom aides.

The role and activities of the Volunteer Classroom Aide are stipulated by the classroom teacher and may include, but are not limited to:

  • working with students on a teacher-led activity
  • rotating among small groups of students to see if they need help
  • leading a small group in a specific activity
  • assisting an individual student

DCLC Volunteer Classroom Aides help DCLC teachers successfully conduct their adult literacy classes and, as such, have an important role in helping DCLC’s adult students make progress toward their goals. Please read the Qualifications, Steps, and Duties below to learn more about becoming a DCLC Volunteer Classroom Aide.

Volunteer Classroom Aide Qualifications
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent*
  • Must possess good literacy and communication skills
  • Must exhibit professionalism in interacting with students and DCLC personnel and in following guidance provided during training
  • Must exhibit patience and flexibility in following directions and guidance from the assigned DCLC Classroom Teacher and in encouraging adult students during classroom activities

*DCLC, as per PDE Guidelines allows students in the program who have passed sections of the high school equivalency tests to serve as classroom aides for the content areas they have passed. In this case, the ASE classroom aides must only act as a classroom aide for the class or half of class relating to the subject they passed and are an aide for.

Volunteer Classroom Aide Expectations and Responsibilities

All DCLC Volunteer Classroom Aides:

  • Complete the steps required to become a classroom aide.
  • Commit to at least six weeks of continuous service.
  • Assist during at least one full class period per week (may participate more often if agreed upon by the classroom teacher). NOTE: Classes may be virtual or in person.
  • GED-subject classroom aides may perform their duties only for the amount of class time that their subject is being taught.
  • Follow the guidance provided by the instructor as to specific roles and responsibilities during class sessions.
  • Exhibit professionalism by being dependable and punctual in attending assigned classes and in communicating directly with the instructor if unable to attend.
  • Honor the confidentiality of all information regarding the class and its students.
  • Submit a record of hours spent performing Volunteer Classroom Aide duties on the 15th day and last day of the month.

Steps to Becoming a DCLC Volunteer Classroom Aide

  1. Complete the online DCLC Volunteer Classroom Aide Application.
  2. Complete an online PA Criminal Background Check and email it to Duane Balgrave, Sr. at [email protected].
  3. Meet with the tutor trainer for a one-hour-long meeting.
  4. Complete a one-hour-long online training.
  5. Observe one full class and complete the observation form.
  6. Read and sign the expectations and responsibilities agreement.