Educational Foundations (EdF) majors are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of volunteer or work experience with elementary-aged children. This is a self-directed experience to gain supervised, professional practice with children that all EdF majors are required to complete prior to beginning an actual EdF field experience. Please see below for volunteer/employment expectations, requirements, and opportunities. Further opportunities may be sent out to your UO email. If you have any questions about a previous or current experience qualifying, please email Keri.

Your completed Educational Foundations Volunteer/Work Experience with Children Confirmation Form must be submitted by week 7 of EDST 331. Your instructor will provide upload instructions.

The volunteer or work experience must be in the last 3 years and in the United States. It must also be in a professional group setting.

Each student is responsible for keeping the form after it is completed by their supervisor and for submitting it on time.

NOTE: During the Covid-19 pandemic, if an EdF student is not comfortable in volunteering/working in an in-person setting, the EdF program will waive their volunteer experience hours. It is fully their choice to volunteer/work during the pandemic. If an EdF student should need more experience with elementary kids in a group setting in order to apply to a teaching licensure program after they graduate, they may volunteer at a later time.

Educational Foundations Volunteer/Work Experience with Children Confirmation Form

Download the PDF form and open in Adobe.

 

Volunteer/Employment Opportunities

Until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, volunteer opportunities may be limited. Please contact the individual organizations below to find out if they are currently accepting volunteers or are hiring.

Local Schools
Please check with individual school districts to determine their current need for in-person or virtual volunteers.

Eugene 4J School District
Website: http://www.4j.lane.edu/hr/volunteers/

Springfield School District
Website: https://www.springfield.k12.or.us/Page/137

Bethel School District
Website: http://www.bethel.k12.or.us/schools/

School Garden Project (Spring 2021)
Looking for students who are able to commit to 1.5 hours at the same day/time weekly for 10 weeks fall or spring term(s) regarding environmental education with school gardens.
Website: https://www.schoolgardenproject.org/volunteer/Contact: Elizabeth Goward, elizabeth@schoolgardenproject.org

 

Other Organizations

Eugene YMCA (a few blocks from UO campus)
Paid positions available during winter and spring terms. No volunteers at this time.
Jobs: http://eugeneymca.org/jobs

Nearby Nature
Volunteers and interns lead nature walks, assist with classroom visits and help with day camps. Depending on the season and the COVID-19 situation, either assist with our in-person Nature-Schooling programs (or lead interactive nature walk field trips for K-5th graders and help with family/community programs. Outdoor science, exploring, storytelling, games, and more. Some experience with kids and knowledge of natural history required. Training provided. Current schedule varies. When field trips are happening again, schedule includes weekdays plus some weekends.
Website: http://www.nearbynature.org/volunteer
Contact: Beth Stein, info@nearbynature.org

School Garden Project (Spring 2021)
Looking for students who are able to commit to 1.5 hours at the same day/time weekly for 10 weeks fall or spring term(s) regarding environmental education with school gardens.
Website: https://www.schoolgardenproject.org/volunteer/
Contact: Elizabeth Goward, elizabeth@schoolgardenproject.org

Holden Center (Duck Corps) Volunteer Opportunities Database:
Please be sure that you are selecting an opportunity with the theme of “Education” and that your opportunity involves working directly with elementary aged children or youth for an extended time. Website: https://holden.uoregon.edu/duckcorps