Why I Volunteer to Teach English and Family Literacy: Meet Chelle
After a life transition that left Chelle with more free time, she decided to begin volunteering at the English Skills Learning Center (ESLC).
She had found out about the ESLC through her aunt, who had posted about it on Facebook. “I was looking for something during the day, and that's why the ESLC was also just such a great fit because I was able to find volunteer hours that were the ones that I wanted.” Chelle felt very empowered and prepared for teaching after the training.
Chelle works in a Family Engagement Center alongside Lupe, who is a Family Connector, at Moss Elementary. This class is the product of a partnership between Granite School District, the United Way, and the ESLC called Empowering Parents. Chelle walks parents that are new to the English Language through a children's book. “The encouragement is to take this book home and practice reading it with your child. We use the book for vocabulary and [pull] all the different language lessons from [it].”
Chelle loves that the program she works in helps parents learn the English language and allows them an opportunity to connect with and teach their children. “It's such a great program because it's an encouragement to help them to get comfortable with their English skills while also spending some time with their kids. It's a great program.”
The class is held at school, during school hours, so that the parent can drop their child off and come into class to learn by themselves. The class allows a range of experiences with the English language, which can be a challenge sometimes, Chelle says, but it also allows for connection. “The inspiring thing to me is the way that I see parents collaborate with each other. So if I have two students that speak Spanish and one is a little further along, they can help in that way. Even a more advanced student is still getting practice by ... mentoring someone who’s newer to the program.”
If Chelle's story resonates with you, consider completing an application and joining the ESLC as a volunteer!
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