Experience Summary
A commercial banker by trade, I currently teach two (2) classes on financial literacy skills to legal immigrant refugees from India, Burma, and Cuba. This volunteer work is offered through the Catholic Charities arm of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
I started teaching these classes roughly six (6) months ago on a volunteer basis, and the classes have been very well received thus far. The first class is entitled "Introduction to Banking", and teaches the fundamentals of personal banking (how to open a checking account, how to write a check, etc.). The second class is focused on family budget planning. Each class is roughly 1.5 - 2 hours in length, depending on the number of questions asked by the students.
In addition to the above, I have tutored a foreign immigrant from Turkey in pre-calculus and college-level English. I tutored this student on a volunteer basis for roughly two (2) years.
Teaching Style
My teaching style is conversational and generally straightforward. I work through translators, so it is important to keep a positive presentation style to avoid misinterpretation and miscommunication.
After each segment, I ask the students if they have any questions or concerns. The students are also invited to stop me at any time to ask me questions.
I also like to provide visual demonstrations on a white board, which helps me to explain my point in further detail. I provide all my students with my Powerpoint presentation translated into the Bhutanese and Burmese language so that the students have a guide for future reference.
My goal is to help the students to understand the U.S. banking system in general, and to overcome any fears or hesitations that they may have about opening a checking account. I teach them how to write a check, and keep a check register. So far, these classes have helped these immigrants to avoid high fees from cashing paychecks at liquor stores and gas stations, and avoid robbery by not keeping cash on their person. It also has greatly helped Catholic Charities from having to pay the rent for new immigrants that have misappropriated their paychecks by inadequate planning.