How the Volunteer Program Works

Citizen Teachers teach apprenticeships to kids

An apprenticeship is an opportunity for middle school students to access real-world learning and skills. Apprenticeships are taught by Citizen Teachers—volunteers from the community who strive to share their skills, hobbies and interests with young people.

Apprenticeships lead to WOW!s

During the 13-week apprenticeship, apprentices work with Citizen Teachers to produce something, a project, performance, or presentation that students give back to the community at the end of their apprenticeship. We call it a WOW! It could be a gourmet meal served at a neighborhood fair, a puppet show performed at a children's hospital or a new website designed for their own school. Ultimately, each WOW! makes young people heroes in their own community, and demonstrates what's possible.

Citizen Teachers teach kids for 13 weeks

Becoming a Citizen Teacher involves a commitment of 13 weeks plus three hours of training (see the volunteer timeline and training description below). You will teach your apprenticeship one afternoon each week over a school semester, from around 3:30 to 5:00 pm, on either Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays (Saturdays are also available in Boston, and schedules vary by site).

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Our staff of trained after-school educators is dedicated to training, preparing, and supporting our volunteers. In return, we ask our volunteers to commit their energy, attention, passion, and amazing ideas to every session.

Citizen Teachers receive support and training at all times

A trained Citizen Schools educator supports you in your classroom at all times and calls you weekly to coach you and guide your planning throughout the semester. At the end of the semester, this person will help you evaluate what you and the kids learned from your experience. And when you return (as many do), you will join the proud, growing national movement of Citizen Teachers!