United States

1724: Highland Park Elementary School

Roanoke, Virginia

Highland Park Elementary School, which serves approximately 300 urban students in preschool through fifth grade, seeks a Teachers’ Assistant and Project Coordinator to work with the school in day-to-day activities.

Website: http://www.centralbrethren.org/outreach/congregations-in-action

Job Descriptions

Highland Park Elementary School, which serves approximately 300 urban students in preschool through fifth grade, seeks a Teachers’ Assistant and Project Coordinator to work with the school in day-to-day activities. These include tutoring, clerical assistance to classroom teachers and support staff, and support with special programs such as Fun Day, a school carnival day, and student field trips. The volunteer will also organize Pack-a-Snack, the weekend meals program that provides nourishment for food-deficient households. Bags of food are assembled and sent home with students every Friday. This program is administered in coordination with school personnel and volunteers from Congregations in Action, an interdenominational partnership of churches that provides volunteer help and resources to Highland Park and other area schools.

The volunteer position also includes participation in the life of Central Church of the Brethren, which is located in downtown Roanoke and is a member of Congregations in Action. He/she will attend biweekly meetings of the Faith in Action small group, which coordinates services to Highland Park and its homeless families. The volunteer will also function as a representative to the Congregations in Action board of directors. During the summer break from school, the volunteer will work with Camp Bethel, a Church of the Brethren year-round camp that offers a variety of program opportunities.

The volunteer should be at least 21 years old, be able to pass a background check, and have a love of children and a commitment to helping them learn. Other requirements include a strong work ethic, personal and emotional maturity, flexibility, patience, a positive attitude, and the ability to communicate appropriately and with enthusiasm. Experience working with inner-city children is helpful but not essential.