Jan 21, 2018
Tutors are fostering community spirit as well as equipping English learners with the means to succeed in their new lives in the U.S.
English as a Second Language (ESL) students face plenty of challenges adjusting to life in the U.S., and tend to lag behind other students in school, especially when it comes to literacy education. New Jersey tutors in Somerset County, where 30.2% of households speak a language other than English, are working to narrow that learning gap for their ELL students.
Literacy Volunteers for Somerset County is entering its 36th year providing free English instruction to hundreds of adult ESL students annually. Last year, 187 tutors logged more than 3,600 hours with 307 students in conversation classes and individualized tutoring sessions at Somerset area libraries.
ESL tutoring is more than just a great way to help students: ESL tutors are also cultural ambassadors, according to LVSC’s program manager, Susan Engelstein. “Tutors provide encouragement, friendship, and literacy instruction,” Engelstein says. More proof that it takes a community effort to bridge the resources that tutors offer and the students who most need tutors’ support to build the foundation for a strong future in life and learning.
banner image from http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/outreach/caring-communities/2018/01/20/literacy-volunteers-somerset-county-libraries-offer-esl-classes/1040435001/
Literacy volunteers, Somerset County libraries offer ESL classes http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/outreach/caring-communities/2018/01/20/literacy-volunteers-somerset-county-libraries-offer-esl-classes/1040435001/
