The Vancouver School District welcomes volunteers age 18 and older, from all walks of life. Many of our volunteers come from the membership of parent organizations and booster clubs, the backbone of the volunteer force, but the need for persons to help in our schools is greater than their numbers can supply. Community members are encouraged to volunteer their time to one of the most important systems in any community — public schools.
Qualifications Volunteers do not need to have teaching or professional experience. The most important qualification of a volunteer is to have a genuine interest in our young people. Confidentiality and discretion are necessary. Warmth and empathy are desired. No special educational background is required. All VSD volunteers are required to complete the clearance process which includes a Washington State Patrol criminal history background check.
How to volunteer Recruitment and placement of volunteers is done at the local building level. Frequently community volunteers connect with a school that is close to their home or place of work or choose an age level of students they prefer. To help with your placement, consider these questions:
Would you like to work directly with students?
What kind of volunteer job would you like to do? (see below)
Where would you prefer to work — elementary, middle or high school?
What days or hours do you prefer?
How much time do you want to commit to a volunteer job?
What experience do you have that might prepare you for your volunteer job?
What are you looking for in your volunteer experience?
What school volunteers do
Tutor students in various subject areas
Provide assistance in reading or math readiness activities
Make charts, games, costumes, props for plays, or bulletin boards
Chaperone field trips, school dances, socials, and other activities
Assist with extended day activities - homework assistance, sports & games, crafts, computer skills
Help as needed in the school office, lunchroom, on the playground, and in other areas
Assist school media specialist, read stories to children, help repair books, check out books and shelve media materials
Assist teachers in the classroom by working with students and doing clerical work (grading papers, making copies etc.)
Have lunch and visit for an hour weekly with an elementary Lunch Buddy
Assist with screening clinics for vision and hearing
Help in elementary school health room
Volunteers routinely state that they "get more than they give" and learn firsthand the challenges facing the students and educators today. We hope you will join the Vancouver School District team and help to promote successful and confident students.
To volunteer, contact any VSD school or call the Community Partnerships office at 313-4720.
Volunteer handbook
Thank you for volunteering for Vancouver Public Schools. Before you begin your volunteer duties, please take a few minutes to review the Volunteer Handbook.
