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The Open Door is a volunteer based organization with approximately 50 devoted teachers coming to serve their students each week.  Our volunteers serve in either our West New York location at Memorial High School, 5501 Park Ave, West New York, NJ or our NYC location at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 150 W 83rd St, NY, NY.  

In New Jersey, all classes take place Mondays and Tuesdays from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., starting September 12th.
In New York, ESL classes take place Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
In New York, GED and computer classes take place on Tuesdays from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The minimum commitment is one evening per week for 12 weeks.  Training and teaching materials will be provided.  All volunteer positions are not paid.

General Qualifications/Requirements for ALL Volunteers:

  • Ability and desire to teach students from various cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds
  • Ability to take initiative and be a creative lesson planner
  • Flexible, team player
  • Commitment to learn and serve under the supervision of “The Open Door NJNY”
  • Own transportation required

To apply, email admin@theopendoornjny.org for a volunteer application.

Position: ESL Teacher for 12-Week Fall Semester (6 positions available) – NYC and NJ

General Function: Teach English to immigrants with entry-level English ability.

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • Fluency in English
  • Arrive on time to class
  • Organizational skills – prepare for lesson before class, take attendance each class
  • Team player – flexible in teaching another level when needed, may teach with co-teacher
  • Be a creative and take initiative in teaching students in a multi-level classroom

Position: Lead Computer Teacher for 12-Week Fall Semester (2 positions available) – NYC and NJ

General Function:
Teach basic computer skills to immigrants with low digital literacy.  Students practice typing and learn to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.  Students also practice English using language learning websites and conduct searches on the internet.

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • Experience in information technology or computers preferred
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint

Position: Assistant Computer Teacher for 12-Week Fall Semester (2 positions available) – NYC and NJ

General Function:
Support the lead computer teacher and give individual attention to students during class to help them follow the lesson.  Support students as they practice typing and learning to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, and browsing the internet.  Substitute on days the lead teacher is not available.

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • Experience in information technology or computers preferred
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint
  • Willing to set up and put away laptops and projector before and after class

Position: Lead Children’s Program Teacher (2 Positions Available) – NYC and NJ

General Function:
Engage children ages 4 and up in reading and arts and crafts lessons.

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • Desire to support educational needs of children of immigrants
  • Ability to be punctual and organized
  • willingness to work under the supervision of The Open Door’s Children’s Ministry Director.

Position: Lead Youth Program Teacher (2 Positions Available) – NYC and NJ

General Function:
Engage youth ages 12 -15 in literacy and leadership lessons, facilitate activities such as arts and crafts.

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • Desire to support educational and emotional needs of immigrant youth
  • Ability to be punctual and organized
  • willingness to work under the supervision of The Open Door’s Children’s Ministry Director
  • Spanish preferred but not required

Position: GED/TASC Math Teacher (4 Positions Available) – NYC and NJ

General Function:
Teach middle school and high school level math to immigrant adults to prepare them for the TASC exam, which is the high school equivalency exam in New York and New Jersey.

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • Competency in math, including alegebra, geometry, and functions
  • Ability to explain math concepts in an easily understandable way
  • Proficiency in Spanish required
  • Ability to take initiative in planning lessons for students

Position: Volunteer Assistant Program Coordinator- NYC and NJ

General Functions:
Set up classrooms for program, assist with registration of students, ensure that both teachers and students have supplies needed, keep program on schedule, ensure that facilities are left clean and orderly.

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • Punctual
  • Organizational skills
  • Ability to multitask and anticipate needs of students and teachers