Sign In Forgot Password
Home

Temple Beth El Blog

Schools Are Once Again Looking for Volunteers 

03/02/2022 10:29:09 AM

Mar2

Over the last two years, most public schools have had strict protocols for visiting school buildings, and volunteer opportunities have been severely constrained. Many children have lost ground during this period, both academically and socially. Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) notes a strong need for classroom volunteers, tutors, playground monitors, and others to help students move forward.

MMSD states on its web page about volunteering: “MMSD has been diligently following safety protocols, and finding ways to keep students learning in-person. However, with COVID-19 cases surging in Dane County, and staffing levels approaching critical thresholds, we have reached a crucial juncture. We need your help! In order for us to continue operating our schools safely and keep students learning in-person, we must address unprecedented staff shortages. Therefore, we are asking for your assistance in doing what is best for our scholars and community: volunteer or apply for one of our temporary positions.” 

If you are interested in working with students at the middle school level, the Urban League of Greater Madison runs a volunteer tutoring program for middle school students called Schools of Hope.  Tutors focus on math and literacy, typically by listening to lessons in the classroom and then assisting students individually or in pairs. The minimum commitment is one hour per week during the school day, although volunteers may be absent a few times a semester if needed for vacation or other commitments. Urban League provides an initial orientation on site, and each of the schools has someone on site who can support and problem-solve with the volunteers. For more information, see the Urban League website or contact Betsy Abramson.

If you are interested in working with students in elementary school, MMSD has a well-run program for matching volunteers with students and providing the needed training. A number of volunteers from Jewish Congregations for Social Justice have worked with Emerson School on the near east side to provide math and literacy tutoring, and several are excited to go back now that they can. If you’re interested in working at Emerson, please contact Emily Powers, instructional coach. If you would rather work at the elementary school nearest you, just about any school will welcome your help! 

For more information about volunteering in the Madison public schools and the kinds of work available, see this link. Although MMSD requires a background check, proof of vaccination, and several training modules, the process is quite streamlined. If you live outside Madison, check with your local district.
 

April 26, 2024 18 Nisan 5784