Program Overview
BSV Classroom Volunteers (CVs) are custom matched by BSV to BUSD Host Teachers who’ve requested extra adult support in their classroom. Matches are based on grade-level and subject area interests of the volunteer, and educator needs. Under the guidance of the BUSD Host Teacher, classroom Volunteers work with students 1:1, in small groups, or whole class, as well as support learning from behind the scenes.
BSV welcomes Classroom Volunteers from all walks of life. Our volunteers are professionals and retirees, students and parents. They come from many different countries and speak many different languages. Our volunteers live both within and beyond Berkeley’s city limits. What unites Classroom Volunteers is their commitment to kids and their passion for learning (as well as teaching). Classroom Volunteers also share a vision of high quality public schools for all students.
Volunteer opportunities vary greatly across grade level, subject, and school. Whatever your skill or interest, there’s a place for you at BSV!
Here are a few examples volunteer jobs:
- Elementary: Kindergarten Support @ Washington. A Kinder teacher is seeking a few consistent volunteers to support students with individual/partner social emotional and academic needs. Tues/Thurs 10:45-12:45; Weds 10:45-11:45
- Middle School: Spanish Support @ Longfellow. A 6th-7th grade Spanish/English teacher in the Two-way Immersion program is seeking volunteers who can support during 1st, 3rd and/or 4th periods (early to late mornings), Mon/Wed/Fri.
- High School: Math & Science After School Tutoring in Berkeley High’s College & Career Center for a volunteer comfortable with tutoring 1-on-1 or in a small group of kids. Tutoring occurs in a large room with 50-80 kids. Weds 3:30-5pm.
For a full list of Current Classroom Volunteer Opportunities, click HERE.
Consistency matters – both for student learning and for strong teacher-volunteer partnerships. We ask that volunteers made a minimum of a one hour/week commitment through the end of the school year. Some volunteers choose to support more than one classroom at the same time.
BSV works in close partnership with BUSD on matters of student, staff, and volunteer safety. Learn more about BSV’s Safety Protocols.
How Do I Sign Up?
The volunteer enrollment season for the 2021-22 school year has passed. Fill out the Interest Form below to receive notice when our Classroom Volunteer Application goes live for the upcoming 2022-23 school year.
BSV onboards new and returning Classroom Volunteers on a rolling basis each year, August-March. (Note that BSV prioritizes returning volunteer placements each August-September.)
Classroom Volunteers must first satisfy these BSV Screening Requirements (though some requirements are waived for parent/guardians).
THE PROCESS
Classroom Volunteers should expect the matching process to take 2-6 weeks, based on staff capacity, time of year and volunteer motivation.
1. Apply Online
BSV accepts new and returning volunteer applications on an annual rolling basis, August- early March.
2. Attend Orientation
BSV offers several 1-hour, online orientations each month for new volunteers. Returning Volunteers skip this step!
3. Get Fingerprinted
All new volunteers must clear a state and federal fingerprint screening. BSV can cover the cost, but welcomes volunteers to pay, if they’re able.
4. Get Matched
Once a volunteer is cleared, Team BSV matches them to a requesting BUSD Host Teacher based on grade-level comfort, subject area preferences, and availability.
5. Meet Your Host Teacher
Once introduced, the new Classroom Volunteer and Host Teacher hold an initial “First Meeting” to get to know each other, setting the stage for a successful partnership.
6. Start Volunteering!
With a new BSV name badge in hand, the Classroom Volunteer starts volunteering!