Where are classes taught?

We use the ‘Zoom’ website for classes, which is similar to Skype or Facetime only the tutor can also share their screen with the student, and they can both write and draw on it (this makes activities and lessons easier).

A few minutes before class, the tutor sends the link and password to the Zoom class to the student/guardian’s email.

What does a typical class look like?

Classes are taught 1-on-1 between one tutor and one student. They last an hour and take place once a week.

ESL curriculum, vocabulary and grammar, activities and then unit quizzes to check understanding before moving on.

What if I can’t make it to a class one week?

When you sign up as either a tutor or a student, the available times you choose need to be times that you’re free for every week; this shows respect for both the tutor’s time and the student’s time.

Of course, if there’s a date that you know you’re not going to be available, email the student/tutor in advance that you can’t have the class that week. Or, if there’s an unexpected situation—you’re sick, for instance—email them that you have to cancel that week as soon as possible. The important thing is to remember to tell them; again, respect their time and don’t leave them waiting for a class that you’re not going to show up to.

What qualifications do I need?

If you’re a fluent English speaker who is comfortable having a conversation in Spanish, then you’re perfect for our tutoring team. If you’re unsure, here are some good indicators that you’ll be able to teach English to a Latin American student in Spanish:

• You’re taking an AP Spanish class

• You’ve earned a Spanish-English Seal of Biliteracy

• You’re a member of Spanish Honor Society

• You’re comfortable having conversations in Spanish in your Spanish class

I’ve never taught anything before—what if I just can’t teach?

Everyone can teach. If you’re comfortable having a conversation in Spanish (and you can speak English, of course), then you can teach basic English to a 10-17 year old. You’re provided with an easy-to-follow curriculum, Quizlets to teach vocabulary, activities to help the student learn grammar, and all the tutoring tips you need to prepare you for your first class. And, again, it’s basic English: greetings, hobbies, food, etc. You can do this!

Can I get service hours from tutoring?

Absolutely! Here are the steps.

Do I need to pay?

No payment is ever necessary. This is a nonprofit organization, and the tutors are volunteers.

Who can be a student?

We only place restrictions on who can be a student based on the limitations we have as an organization. Namely, it’s hard for a tutor to teach English through a computer to a kid who’s, say, 7 years old (we’ve tried!). So, we ask that you only sign up kids and teens who are roughly 10-17 years old, and who you think have the concentration and dedication to pay attention to and participate in an hour-long online class.

What do I need for a class?

All you need is a laptop, good internet access, and a quiet environment or headphones so that the tutor and student can hear each other.

What if the student isn’t learning from the classes?

We want the student to have the best English learning experience possible. At the end of every class, we send a form for both the tutor and student to rate their experience.

If you have any issues at all with the classes, please contact us at support@synyouth.org, and we’ll do our best to resolve them.