ESL students and teachers from different classes come together once a week to practice conversation, relax, and just have fun! Level 1 teacher Silvia tells us more about the club,  “Conversation club is a time for us to connect, see each other, and practice English while schools are closed. The pandemic has reduced the time students get to spend with each other practicing English, so we started the club after getting requests from students for more informal practice. The students lead the club and the

Donna has worked for the IU13 for almost 18 years. A graduate of Cedar Crest College, Donna has held many positions at the IU13 including English as a Second Language teacher, High School Equivalency teacher, Family Literacy teacher, Professional Development specialist, and Professional Development consultant for the statewide family literacy program. Her current role is Community Education Supervisor, which she has done for almost three years. Donna’s favorite part of working for the IU13 is the variety of teaching opportunities and the dedicated and passionate staff. Donna also notes that “the IU13 is a great organization to work for – they really have their values [and] your own values can align with the values of the organization.” Donna first got involved in community education in 1995 when she volunteered to teach English to a refugee family in Allentown. She continues to be passionate about refugee causes and currently volunteers her time with a refugee family through her church. In retirement, Donna looks forward to traveling, volunteering, and having more time to spend with her husband and nine grandchildren. 

IU13 ESL classes are continuing online during the COVID-19 pandemic! Students use USALearns, Zoom, and WhatsApp to study English and connect with classmates and teachers.

If you are looking for other ways to practice English, check out the Brightside ESL teachers’ favorite online resources listed below!

Classes are suspended, but students in high school equivalency classes are still learning. Teachers have contacted all students and assigned them to courses in Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org) and continue to offer face-to-face learning as well through Zoom. Additionally, teachers use What’s App to stay in touch.

High School Equivalency (HSE) students may have been out of school for 2 months, 2 years or 20 years+ before returning to the classroom. Some are confident in their ability to earn their diploma; others start class feeling strong and then after a few weeks, feel discouraged.

In addition to supervisors, instructors, and program assistants, each IU13 Community Education site has a Student Advisor. Students first meet their advisor at orientation so they receive support at the very beginning. Initial and ongoing goal setting, barrier support services, transition support services, and student support services are all part of the advisor’s day-to-day responsibilities. Upcoming blog articles will feature the advisor at each site.