Employment and volunteer opportunities for retirees

The Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement System provides links to the websites of these agencies and organizations as a public service. The MTRS does not do any investigation of the organizations and does not exercise control over them or the content of their websites. The presence of a link here should not be considered as an endorsement of the organization or its site’s contents by the MTRS.

As a retired educator, you are highly sought after for volunteer and employment opportunities! Many local organizations contact us seeking retired educators to volunteer their talents and expertise, and we post them here as a service to our members.

Employment opportunities

Volunteer opportunities

Employment opportunities for retirees

Please note: If you are currently receiving a retirement benefit from the MTRS, and are interested in any of these employment opportunities, please be sure to learn about the restrictions on working after retirement . 

Confirmed on December 17, 2012

Mad Science of Greater Boston is looking for enthusiastic people for our hands-on, interactive and FUN science programs for kids throughout the Greater Boston area. It's a mixture of teaching and performing! We offer a variety of curriculum enrichment programs for elementary school age children including after school programs, workshops, birthday parties, and large science shows. All of our programs are taught at the kids' locations and last approximately one hour. We look for educators, performers, and anyone who loves working with children.

The Mad Science Instructor position is part time. Your total number of programs per week is based upon your individual availability and location. Most instructors can expect between 3 and 6 programs per week during the school year. Our programs run during the week and on weekends. There is a weekly instructor meeting held at our office in Waltham. Training, class plans and materials are all provided! All you have to provide is your experience, your professionalism, and your enthusiasm for working with children!
 
Requirements:


• Our instructors travel to their programs, so you must own a car or have 100% reliable access to one.

• You should have experience with groups of children such as experience as a camp counselor, coach, after school program instructor, educator, etc. (Only babysitting is not enough, sorry).

• Outgoing and FUN personality (don't be afraid to be a little MAD)! We are not "teachers," we are Mad Scientists!

• Lots of energy!

Compensation for new instructors begins at $25 per hour long program, and increases due to additional compensation for distant classes as well as by "step increases" over time for continuing Mad Science instructors.



Fill out our online application through our website at www.madscience.org/greaterboston
. Click the Work For Us tab at the top of the homepage. Then click the Apply Now link at the bottom.

Confirmed on November 13, 2012

Responsible for providing tours of historic Fenway Park. Candidates must have experience speaking to groups, possess enthusiasm, professional, energetic, excellent time management skills and customer friendly demeanor. Candidates are also expected to multi-task and retain information quickly. Weekend, evening and holiday availability is preferred.

This is a year-round, hourly position offered through the Boston Red Sox.

For more information, please contact Marcita Thompson at (617) 226-6000 or e-mail at mthompson@redsox.com.

Updated on October 5, 2010

The Boston Learning Center is looking for trained and experienced tutors to work with elementary, middle and high school students in a federally funded after-school program in several Massachusetts school districts. We pay you $25/hour for one-on-one tutoring, and more for small groups (2–6). Tutoring will commence beginning in December and continue for up to 50 hours per student. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please e-mail your résumé to peter@bostonlearningcenter.org and we will call you to arrange an interview.

Confirmed on May 13, 2013

We are looking for Meals Program volunteers to serve lunch or dinner to our membership on  Mondays  from 5:30pm – 8pm, Wednesdays  from 10am – 2:30pm or  Fridays from 10am – 2:30pm.

We are also looking for coat check volunteers to greet our membership on Wednesdays  and/or Fridays  from 11:30am – 2:30pm. 

We also have opportunities for small groups to serve lunch or dinner to our membership.

All volunteers must be a least 18 years old and able to pass a CORI background check.

Please contact Tammy Blocker, Volunteer Coordinator at tblocker@vpi.org  or 617-236-1012 ext. 227. For more information, visit http://www.vpi.org/boston/.

Victory Programs’ Boston Living Center (BLC) is a nonprofit community and resource center that fosters the wellness of all HIV positive people and responds to the changing needs of the HIV/AIDS community through education, treatment information and support services.

Confirmed on March 20, 2013

Project Hope’s Adult Education Services (AES) offers a basic adult education to more than 80 low-income women a year. We provide support to ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Learners and ABE (Adult Basic Education) Learners. The following opportunities are available within our AES program:

English for Speakers of Other Languages program

• Tutor an ESOL Learner: Meet with learners one-on-one to provide basic and/or remedial instruction in the English language. Volunteers are needed Monday–Thursday 8:30–9:15, 12:00–12:45 and 2:00–3:00, Wednesday 3:00–3:30 and Thursday 11:30–12:00.  
• Assist an ESOL Learner in Computers or Reading: Volunteer to provide basic computer instruction (e-mail, internet, word processing) for Adult ESOL students. Assist the learners with logging on and navigating interactive ESOL websites and guide the learners in the use of Mavis Beacon. Volunteers are needed Tuesdays from 2:30–3:30 or Wednesday 11:00–12:00.
• Lead ESOL Conversation Groups: Volunteer to lead discussions with Adult ESOL learners to improve their English fluency. Help them practice common dialogues, role-play real life situations and discuss topics of interest with the group. Volunteers are needed Wednesday 2:30–3:00 or Thursday 11:00–11:30.
• Contact Jeymi Arroyo at jarroyo@prohope.org or 617-442-1880 x225.

 Adult Basic Education program

• Tutor an ABE Learner: Meet with learners one-on-one to provide basic and/or remedial instruction in math, reading, or writing. Volunteers are needed Monday–Friday 8:30–9:15, Monday–Thursday 2:00–3:00, and Friday 1:00–2:00.   
• Assist in ABE Learner Math Classes: Assist students with learning disabilities in the classroom. Help the students stay focused and on task, answer questions and provide guidance as needed. Volunteers are needed Tuesday–Friday 9:30–10:30.
• Assist ABE Learners during their Study Period: Assist learners with classroom assignments and/or homework during their independent study period. Provide assistance with developing/tweaking résumés and cover letters. Volunteers are needed Tuesday and Thursday 1:50–2:30. 
• Reading Assistant: Provide small group instruction and practice for students participating in our STAR reading program. Groups include phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. Volunteers are needed Monday–Thursday 12:30–1:45. 
• Contact Martha Gray at mgray@prohope.org or 617-442-1880 x253.

Project Hope
550 Dudley Street
Roxbury, MA 02119
617-442-1880
www.prohope.org

Confirmed on January 22, 2013

English for New Bostonians seeks volunteer tutors to help adults improve their English and literacy skills to fully integrate into our communities and civic institutions!

Volunteer tutors will: receive 12-15 hours of training and on-going support; be placed at a community-based agency in Boston and then work with students 2-4 hours/week at a mutually convenient time.

Required qualifications are: ability to make a 2-4 hour/week time commitment; native or near native English proficiency; and, placement sites may require a CORI.

Helpful qualifications include: knowledge of another language other than English; teaching/tutoring experience; and, ability to serve one year.

Contact: Laura Onyeneho; 617-350-5480, ext. 224; lonyeneho@englishfornewbostonians.org

English for New Bostonians (ENB) is a public-private-community collaborative whose mission is to increase access to high-quality English language learning opportunities for adult immigrants in Boston. ENB supports 26 ESOL programs serving over one thousand learners across 15 neighborhoods through funding, training, and training and technical assistance. ENB also leads the groundbreaking English Works Campaign that calls upon business, labor, community and government to dedicate resources to create a sustainable, high-quality ESOL system.

Confirmed on January 17, 2013

Citizen Schools is a leading national nonprofit that partners with local schools to prepare urban middle school students for achievement and leadership in high school, college, the workforce, and civic life. Utilizing extended learning time (ELT), Citizen Schools expands the learning day up to three hours a day, four days a week. The program blends rigorous academic support with real-world "apprenticeships”—fun, hands-on learning projects taught by community volunteers. Volunteers have taught students everything from architecture to robotics, digital storytelling to business start-ups, journalism to space travel.

We are still recruiting volunteers to teach our spring semester apprenticeships for our Boston and New Bedford campuses. Please contact Carolyn Roscoe at carolynroscoe@citizenschools.org or 617-695-2300 ext. 1174 to learn more today!

Time commitment

• 90 minutes a week, 13 weeks
• Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays between 2:45 and 5:45

Training and support

• up-front training
• curriculum library – www.citizenschools.org/curriculum
• in-class Citizen Schools staff member support

Campus locations

• Edwards Middle School, 28 Walker Street, Charlestown
• Irving Middle School, 105 Cummins Highway, Roslindale
• Dever-McCormack School, 315 Mt. Vernon Street, Dorchester
• Orchard Gardens School, 906 Albany Street, Roxbury
• Joseph Lee Middle School, 155 Talbot Avenue, Dorchester
• Normandin Middle School, 81 Felton Street, New Bedford

Confirmed on January 2, 2013

We need volunteers to work one-to-one with adult immigrants learning basic English communication, literacy, and intercultural skills.
Student/tutor pairs meet for about one hour, twice a week, at whatever time and location is convenient for both. Jones Library provides materials, meeting space, training, and ongoing support to volunteer tutors.

Retired educators are highly prized by our immigrant students, and we get frequent requests for such volunteers.

To learn more about the program, please visit our website: Jones Library Volunteer

Not in the Amherst area? Find other opportunities across the Commonwealth on the website for Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts: Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts

Not in Massachusetts? For a national database of literacy programs for volunteers, please go to the National Database of Literacy Programs for Volunteers.

Confirmed on December 21, 2012

Share conversation and American culture. Make a difference in an adult's life. No teaching experience or knowledge of a foreign language is needed. Springfield Literacy Volunteers, a program sponsored by the Springfield City Library, is offering individualized instruction in English as a second language or basic literacy to support adults in our community so they can achieve their goals as parents, workers, and community members. Springfield Literacy Volunteers is primarily funded by a grant from the United Way.

Training is free and provided by Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts in February. Volunteers attend a free 18-hour training and are then matched with an adult. Once matched, the tutor and student meet weekly for two hours for a six-month commitment. Continued training and support is provided.

For more information, call 413-263-6839 or e-mail rholmes@springfieldlibrary.org. 

Confirmed on December 20, 2012

1) Volunteer in a prison to help someone stay out of prison
The Massachusetts Department of Correction seeks you—retired educators—to participate in providing programs and services that will help offenders become more productive, educated, self-sufficient and law abiding citizens. Committed to enhancing, promoting and creating a supportive environment for the utilization of volunteers within prison facilities, the Department of Corrections offers more than 100 volunteer programs in the areas of life skills, family life programs, GED tutoring, anger management, emotional awareness, public speaking, general education, religion, substance abuse, support groups and more. For information on volunteering, please contact Bill Milhomme, Director of Volunteer Services, at 508-620-6437, ext. 104, or, via e-mail, at wtmilhomme@doc.state.ma.us.

2) Share your love of—and appreciation for—teaching, with incarcerated mothers, so that they may pass it on to their children
The majority of female offenders at MCI-Framingham are mothers of school-aged children, kindergarten through high school. MCI-Framingham is interested to commence a program that will bring into the facility teachers of all grade levels to speak to the incarcerated mothers about the importance of sustaining and motivating themselves and their children to be successful in school. Topics include: the importance of nutrition (breakfast/snacks), homework, hygiene, reading comprehension, parent teacher conferences and communication, and more.

If you are interested in volunteering your love and gift of teaching and sharing it with incarcerated mothers, please contact Bill Milhomme, Director of Volunteer Services, at 508-620-6437, ext. 104, or, via e-mail, at wtmilhomme@doc.state.ma.us.

3) Volunteer facilitated cognitive skills workshops
The Massachusetts Department of Correction is seeking to expand its successful volunteer facilitated, evidence-based cognitive skill workshop program. There are currently seven lesson plans available in the program: Active Listening, Problem Solving, Setting Goals, Assertive Communication, Negotiating, Asking for Help and Using Self Control. Each lesson is 90 minutes and there are two classes to a skill set. Training is available.

If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please contact Bill Milhomme, Director of Volunteer Services, at 508-620-6437, ext. 104, or, via e-mail, at wtmilhomme@doc.state.ma.us.

4) Provide math tutoring at the Pondville Correctional Center
The Massachusetts Department of Correction is seeking an individual(s) to provide math tutoring services for 6–10 incarcerated men at the Pondville Correctional Center. Pondville Correctional Center is a minimum security correctional facility located in Norfolk Massachusetts.

Results from an academic assessment (TABE test) as well as GED test results will be made available to the tutor(s) in order to begin remedial work at the appropriate level. Most of the students in need of tutorial services have attained a total passing score for the test battery and have successfully completed all of the GED subtests except for mathematics. Therefore the students must achieve a passing score on the mathematics subtest in order to receive their high school equivalency diploma. The most common math skills that need to be addressed in the tutorial sessions are: fractions, ratio and proportion, basic algebra, basic geometry, chart and graph interpretation and word problems.

If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please contact Bill Milhomme, Director of Volunteer Services, at 508-620-6437, ext. 104, or, via e-mail, at wtmilhomme@doc.state.ma.us.

Confirmed on December 19, 2012

Are you aware of your consumer rights? Do you know what to do if your identity is stolen? Can you spot an Internet or telemarketing scam? Would you like to help others learn about what they can do to protect themselves as consumers?

The New Bedford Local Consumer Program, working in cooperation with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General, assists residents in the Southeastern MA region by offering free mediation services for consumer complaints and providing information on consumer protection laws.

The New Bedford LCP is currently seeking people interested in becoming volunteer mediators a minimum of four hours per week in the following locations:

• Taunton
• New Bedford
• North Attleboro
• Wareham

Training will be provided. For more information, contact Mali Lim at 508-961-3020 or consumer@newbedford-ma.gov.

Updated on September 27, 2012

Become a Newton School Volunteer. Help a student gain confidence and competence in mathematics.

• Tutor a student in grade 2-5 once a week for 30-45 minutes
• Select your preferred school, grade level, day, and time
• Play special math games that reinforce skills and help students learn basic mathematics concepts
• Receive training, Everyday Math books and learning materials, and ongoing support

For more information, please contact the program coordinator, Ellen Bender @ 617-559-6131 or ellen_bender@newton.k12.ma.us.

Updated on September 27, 2012

NCSC’s core belief is that the strongest way to assure healthy child development is to ensure the quality of relationships each child has in the critical early years with parents, caregivers and nurturing adults; therefore our mission is to provide educational programs and a network of support services to strengthen young children and their families in Newton, Waltham and Greater Boston communities. We serve a racially, economically, and culturally diverse population in these communities. More information is available online at www.ncscweb.org.

Volunteer opportunities

• Teacher Assistants support children and staff in our Early Education Program (3 months through age 5) by supervising classroom, gym, and playground activities
• Prevention Specialists in the Child Assault Prevention Program (CAPP) lead workshops in Newton classrooms (grades K,2, & 5) that teach children strategies to reduce vulnerability to assault and violence that focus on bullying, stranger safety, and assault by known persons. Minimum commitment: 6 hours per month for one school year. Certification trainings in October and January.
• Group Facilitators in our Raising a Reader Program assist Group Leaders to implement parent/child interactive playgroups for children ages 3 & 4. The groups will include group reading, singing and hand plays. Group leader and volunteers will engage with parents around strategies, questions and reflection. Using the program’s signature red bag rotation program families will borrow books each week along with projects to do at home.
• Grant Coordinator (experienced) to work with volunteer grant-writing team to coordinate research and grant submission as well as editing and proofing of grants.
• General administration support for programs and management staff

Other opportunities are often available. We are conveniently located just off West Newton Square. Training and support are provided and the hours are flexible. Please contact Claire Kashuck at 617-969-5906 x210 or via e-mail at ckashuck@ncscweb.org.

Updated on July 26, 2012

Volunteer tutors needed in New Bedford now

Can you spare an hour or two a week to change the future of a child experiencing homelessness?

School on Wheels of Massachusetts (SOWMA) is seeking volunteers to become one-on-one afterschool tutors/mentors and positive adult role models for children experiencing homelessness in New Bedford.

We need English- and Spanish-speaking volunteers to tutor at the HarbOur House in New Bedford on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. A volunteer tutor training will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at HarbOur House, 713 Shawmut Ave. in New Bedford.

SOWMA tutors help pre-K through 12th grade students overcome obstacles to learning and achieve their full educational potential. Tutors receive training in effective tutoring strategies and ongoing support from SOWMA’s professional staff. No prior experience is needed. A three month commitment is requested. Volunteers are required to go through a 2.5 hour tutor training session before working with a SOWMA student.

To find out more about becoming a one-on-one afterschool tutor/mentor for a child experiencing homelessness in New Bedford, contact Robin Gilbert at robin@sowma.org, or phone 508.587-9091. Learn more by visiting the SOWMA website at www.sowma.org .

About School on Wheels of Massachusetts
School on Wheels of Massachusetts is the only organization providing one-on-one tutoring, new backpacks and school supplies, and educational advocacy and support to children experiencing homelessness in multiple locations. SOWMA is dedicated to helping each child reach his or her full academic potential. To make a donation to SOWMA or to find out more about their programs for children and teens impacted by homelessness, visit their website at www.sowma.org , or phone 508-587-9091.

Confirmed on May 30, 2012

Educator Mentor Corps description
Educator Mentor Corps (EMC) is a fully-funded AmeriCorps service initiative that mobilizes skilled, experienced educators to support, prepare, inspire, and retain the next generation of teachers. Our teams of highly qualified mentors work with new teachers in under-resourced school districts throughout Massachusetts.

EMC members spend ten hours per week performing the following tasks:

• Establishing trusting, confidential, non-evaluative and professional relationships with mentee
• Developing the skills and resources of mentees through the use of collaborative and facilitative coaching methods
• Participating in orientation/training and monthly professional development sessions

Perks of being a mentor

• $1,200 AmeriCorps stipend
• $1,468 AmeriCorps education award—to be used by mentors for initial or continuing higher education at participating institutions across the country and which may be transferred to a mentor’s children, grandchildren, or foster children
• Voucher to enroll in any Wheelock College course for free (valued at $2600)
• Access to Wheelock events and activities

For more information

• E-mail Karen Marshall, Program Director at kmarshall@wheelock.edu
• To apply go to the following link: Educator Mentor Corps Application

Updated on November 15, 2010

Many adults are improving their lives by taking classes in basic reading, writing and math or English for Speakers of Other Languages. Adult Basic Education classrooms need tutors to provide additional support to these learners, many of whom struggle with learning disabilities. An hour or two of your time each week can help them break the generational cycle of illiteracy, get better jobs and become more active participants in their community. Tutors who are retired from teaching enjoy using their skills gained from years in the classroom with our motivated learners (not to mention the freedom from administrative duties).

The Holyoke Tutor/Mentor Program is currently recruiting volunteers. Full training and support is provided. For more information, go to Juntos Collaborative or call Emily Fox at 413-552-2932.

Updated on October 7, 2010

Are you interested in supporting kids in your community? You can help to by volunteering to become an important member of the special education team for a student in the custody of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Volunteers collaborate with DCF, the child’s school and community partners to ensure the student has access to educational services and supports. Join us at one of our free training sessions where you will learn about the role of a Special Education Surrogate Parent, the special education process, resources in the community and how you can make a difference in the life of a child!

For additional information please call 508-792-7679 or visit the website at Special Education Surrogate Parent Program

Confirmed on October 6, 2010

What is a Science Docent?
Science docents are volunteer museum educators. They conduct tours and programs in the Science Museum with students in grades K-12 and adult audiences. Docents attend classes to learn about the collections of the Science Museum so that they can share that knowledge with visitors.

What is the time commitment?
Docents are expected to attend up to 20 training classes, meeting weekly. Classes will be held Wednesdays from 2:00–3:30 p.m. beginning late September 2009. Training ends in winter 2010. Docents are asked to give a minimum of 20 programs per year for 2 years.

Benefits of being a Docent
Active docents receive numerous privileges and educational opportunities including:

• Free college-level training program in science
• Discounts on Museum School courses
• Museum Store discounts
• Docent newsletters
• Free admission to Museums à la Carte programs
• Invitations to docent social events including docent picnic, holiday luncheon, bus trips and graduation/recognition events
• Ongoing training led by curators, scholars and museum educators

For more information about the Springfield Museums
Visit our website at Springfield Museums or to request a docent application, please contact Katie Merrill at 413-263-6800, ext. 331 or e-mail docents@springfieldmuseums.org.

Confirmed on October 6, 2010

Learn about marine biology and help the New England Aquarium with its mission: Present, promote and protect the world of water. The New England Aquarium needs your help in sharing interesting stories that visitors don’t usually hear, and information about its exhibits. If you’re interested in learning and sharing, please visit the Aquarium Guide Volunteer (you can apply right online) or call the volunteer office at 617-973-5235.

Confirmed on October 5, 2010

Beacon Hospice provides quality end-of-life care to local terminally-ill patients. We are looking for caring and compassionate individuals in your area to spend time with our patients. Over half of our patients have few to no visitors and really enjoy friendly visits from a volunteer. Volunteers can provide much needed support to patients and their families in a number of ways including:

• visiting with patients on an ongoing basis,
• sitting vigils,
• knitting, crocheting, quilting and,
• organizing craft projects.

There is a free training course that is required on what hospice is and how to interact with hospice patients. For more information, interested volunteers should contact: Deb Culhane, Volunteer Coordinator, at (508) 324-1900, extension 33.

Updated on October 5, 2010

Jumpstart Community Corps is looking for retired educators to work one-to-one with preschool children in South Boston, Roxbury or Dorchester. Our mission is to work toward the day that every child enters school prepared to succeed, and we are asking you to give the greatest gift of all—your time! Volunteers serve two afternoons per week for three hours at a time during the school year, working one-on-one with preschool children in Head Start preschools and local community preschools on language, literacy and social skills. Comprehensive training and monthly stipend are provided. For more information, please call Jessie Trowbridge at 857-413-4548.

First posted on February 4, 2010

Wingate is dedicated to the belief that everyone deserves a life of grace and dignity regardless of age or physical condition. Residents recently requested guest speakers to educate them in current matters including science and new technology. Our residents range in age from 70s to 100s. Sessions could last one hour and we are flexible with days and times.

To learn more you can contact Alison Cox at 781-455-9090 x5239 or acox@wingatehealthcare.com.

First posted on September 21, 2009

The Wellesley METCO Program is looking for tutors who are interested in working with a group of wonderful elementary students in the areas of mathematics. This program will run from approximately 12:00-3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and aims to provide lessons related to solidifying basic skills, creating mathematical thinkers, challenging students, and the extension of current classroom concepts. Some social time and fun activities will be included, and tutors will have the opportunity to shape that time and those activities in the name of connecting with children and sharing interests.

The students are children of color participating in a voluntary desegregation program aimed at infusing diversity into suburban school districts. Tutors should feel comfortable, and excited about, managing a group of third, fourth, or fifth grade students and covering basic math skills, as well as mathematical comprehension, vocabulary, and test taking strategies (identifying useful information in questions and reading, finding and utilizing key vocabulary, underlining/highlighting, showing work, etc). Volunteers will work one-on-one or with small groups of students to reinforce basic skills. It is our hope that these efforts begin to eliminate the academic achievement gap between students of color and white students at the elementary level. Please contact: Kalise Jacobs, K-12 METCO Director, 781-446-6250 x4524.