ESL is an entirely volunteer organization at Harrison. But if you think about it, we are really running a school. We have over 100 students, we order hundreds of books and supplies, we test students on their ability to place them in class, we track attendance, build a budget every year and hand out certificates to students who attend sufficient classes. It is a big job and, as you can imagine, we need your help.
How can I help?
Be a teacher, an assistant or help with the supporting areas – evening director, tester, refreshment coordinator, tutor, etc.
Don’t I need to know another language?
No. We have students from Egypt, Japan, China, Mexico, Brazil, Korea – let’s see that’s six languages right there (often in the same classroom). The only language you need to be a teacher or an assistant is the one you already are fluent in- English.
I’ve never taught before. Isn’t it hard?
If you have children, then you’ve taught English. The lower levels of ESL are really learning very simple English. Your toughest task wil be to slow down and speak clearly and to repeat the learning over and over. It is a lot of repitition, but students love to hear it again and again to make sure they got it.
To learn more about becoming an ESL teacher:
Contact: Pastor Tim Webster at 704-541-3486 ext 210 or tim.webster@harrisonumc.org for more information
