Background

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. IRC Des Moines opened 

Scope of Work

The IRC in Des Moines seeks volunteer tutors to support English language learners among newcomer refugee youth who have been settled in Des Moines. Beginning with training sessions volunteer tutors will engage refugee youth individually during in-person, in-home sessions to improve English Language Acquisition & Learning. Tutors are critical academic coaches and positive role models. We are looking for volunteer tutors who want to have a transformative impact by helping IRC youth succeed in school.

Desired Qualities

  • Passionate about helping youth reach their potential
  • Flexible, patient, and empathetic
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Committed, dependable, and punctual
  • Creative; has a sense of fun
  • An active listener
  • Technologically competent (Ability to use Microsoft/Google forms, virtual educational materials effectively, and google translate)
  • Respectful in a global context around different languages and practices
  • Comfortable and aware of youth support needs 

Tutor Requirements

  • Attend 1 in-person orientation and training session at the IRC Des Moines office (2 hours)
  • Attend 3 online training modules with IRC HQ (4+ hours)
  • Complete and clear a background check
  • Proactively communicate with caregivers to schedule in-home tutor sessions
  • Have reliable/punctual transportation to and from the assigned student’s home twice a week
  • Interact with global populations effectively and respectfully  

Tutor Responsibilities

  • Provide one-on-one individualized in-home tutoring
  • Work with assigned student for 90 minutes twice a week for 16 sessions, tutors will engage their assigned student in 30 minutes of ESL homework support/assistance as well as 30 minutes of ESL instruction (speaking, writing, and/or reading activities), with the remaining time allocated for breaks, rapport building and communication/coordination with caregivers
  • Curates a welcoming environment that fosters community and learning among students
  • Communicate regularly with the Operations Coordinator, Deputy Director, and caregivers regarding scheduling, student progress, tutor support, challenges, etc.
  • Timely documentation and submission of the Tutor Log within 24 hours of the second tutoring session of the week
  • Attend individual virtual Tutor Support Check-ins
  • Comply with office policies and program procedures  

Additional Desired Competencies

  • Proven ability to build community within individualized sessions and cultivate students' commitment to academic learning
  • Thorough, detailed knowledge and understanding of English grammar with the ability to modify lesson plans to reflect student’s needs and interests (age, grade level, etc.)
  • Ability to teach and support the student’s language development in writing, speaking, reading, and listening skills
  • Ability to interact with global populations and empathize with people unfamiliar with local culture
  • Ethical and professional conduct that facilitates the building of a respectful, trusting, and collaborative relationship with caregivers
  • Multilingual abilities in Spanish, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, French, Swahili, or Tigrinya \

Position term

  • Training from HQ (online, three to four 2-hour sessions) and IRC Des Moines Office (in-person, 2-hour session).
  • Additional training by IRC Headquarters will be offered for those who are interested. More information about this program will be provided upon completion of onboarding materials.
  • FALL:   First Week of Tutoring with Students: 11/3/2025 (tentative)
  • FALL:  Last Week of Tutoring with Students: 12/22/2025 (tentative)
  • SPRING:   First Week of Tutoring with Students: 1/19/2026 (tentative)
  • SPRING:  Last Week of Tutoring with Students: 3/2/2026 (tentative) 

Tutoring Session Structure

  • Volunteers are expected to engage in-home tutoring services for ~90 minutes two times a week, for 8 weeks, for a total of 16 tutoring sessions on weekdays after 2:30 pm
  • 60 minutes to tutor students
  • 30 minutes to finish the post-session survey and prepare for the next session
  • Additional time outside of tutoring sessions for training and check-ins further supports the volunteer tutor