This National Volunteer Month, Vermont Adult Learning would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to our amazing volunteers, a few of whom are pictured above! This month, we interviewed our Chittenden County Volunteer Coordinator, Forrest Gardner, about the volunteer programs at our Burlington Learning Center. Check out his interview below!
Q: In what ways can someone volunteer with VAL at our learning center in Burlington?
A: All kinds of ways! Currently, we’re mostly seeking tutors and teachers, especially teachers who work one-on-one with students. Many of our students are in need of English Language instruction and GED tutoring in reading, writing, and math.
Q: What backgrounds do our volunteers have in education or academic subject matter?
A: We have a mix of retired educators, retired education support staff, retired professionals, and college and graduate students, often studying TESOL and linguistics.
Q: How have you seen VAL learners benefit from working with a volunteer?
A: When students work with volunteers, they’re able to meet their academic goals. Several GED students have made progress and gone on to pass tests after working with a volunteer. English Language Learning students are able to communicate more effectively at work and school. Digital Literacy students who come to us not knowing how to turn on a computer leave our program knowing the basic functions of computer operation.
Q: How can volunteers benefit from working with VAL?
A: Volunteers not only gain the ability to feel like a part of their communities, but also gain valuable experience in working with students should volunteers be pursuing education as a career or pivoting to working with a different demographic of students, such as adults or English Language Learners. Volunteers can also access professional development trainings with us.
Q: What is your favorite part about working with volunteers?
A: I most enjoy meeting the volunteers who come on board, hearing their stories, and doing the creative problem-solving work of matching a volunteer with a student.
Forrest‘s role is unique to Chittenden County, but we love working with volunteers in all of the regions we serve! Contact your nearest learning center to learn more about how to become a volunteer with Vermont Adult Learning.