Classroom Workshop Volunteer
Volunteers provide critical support to our students.
Behind the Book’s Classroom Workshop Volunteer Program invites volunteers to support youth in interactive, classroom-based literacy workshops that may include writing workshops, art workshops, or research-based learning activities. Volunteers serve as motivators and classroom supports as students engage with the themes and ideas of the book they are working on.
Volunteers assist students during hands-on activities, small-group discussions, and creative exercises, helping foster confidence, curiosity, and a love of reading. After attending their first workshop, volunteers may be invited by the Program Coordinator to support additional opportunities such as author visits, field trips, or celebratory workshops.
Volunteer opportunities take place during weekday school hours in Pre-K–12th grade classrooms throughout Manhattan and the Bronx. Workshops typically run 60–75 minutes. Both the teacher and a Program Coordinator are in the classroom for the entire session, and teaching experience is not required.
Interested corporate groups can explore more engagement opportunities on our Partnerships page.
Volunteer opportunities vary by school and program partner and are scheduled during the school day.
Scheduling is flexible and based on volunteer availability.
Once onboarded, volunteers receive access to current opportunities along with
a Volunteer Calendar to help visualize upcoming workshops.
Requirements or Qualifications
A love of reading and openness to supporting youth
Must be 18 years or older
Willingness to complete a GoPass background check
Comfortable engaging with children in a classroom setting
Get Started
Please submit this brief questionnaire to share your interests and availability. After completing the form, our Program Operations and Community Engagements Coordinator will follow up with brief onboarding steps needed to move you through steps 2 and 3.
Behind the Book will register you for GoPass, a fingerprint and background check system that screens volunteers working with vulnerable populations. Passholders can volunteer with the Department of Education and countless organizations across NYC.
Once you’re eligible via GoPass, you will be matched to a classroom program to follow from start to finish first in the fall and later in the spring. These matches will be based on your availability and preferences regarding geography, grade, and topic as much as possible.
New Volunteers
All volunteers must sign a photo release. If you’ve signed one in the past,
you don’t have to fill it out again.
