February 2021 —
New Faces, New Classes, and New Successes in the English Language Learning Program for Adults
Welcome to New ELL Tutor, João Bentes
João joins us as an experienced language and program instructor. He has worked locally with the Penobscot School and One Community Many Voices, and currently runs youth programming at The Apprenticeshop. He also serves as a translator for Catholic Charities of Maine. João hails from Portugal and is fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish, Italian and French. He is a wonderful asset to our Adult Ed team!
Photo credit: Chris Bataglia
A Special Thanks to Program Coordinator and Lead Instructor, Elizabeth DiLalla
We’d like to recognize Elizabeth for her work this past year in converting the Beginner, Conversation, and Citizenship Exam Prep classes to meet both the students’ needs and the COVID safety guidelines. She has taken part in regular statewide meetings of Maine Adult Ed English Language instructors and has recently been asked to participate in trainings for the national efforts in Implementing Standards-Based Instruction for English Learners. Our program has grown and our dedicated students are finding success in their learning accomplishments despite the pandemic disruption. We have been able to open classes to other Maine Adult Ed students through the Zoom distance learning platform which has enriched the local ELL class community. Elizabeth is certified as a TESOL instructor, and as an added bonus, speaks Spanish, Italian, and some Portuguese.
Special Announcement:
Congratulations to ELL student, Frantzdy Simon, on obtaining his United States Citizenship! Frantzdy began working on his English Language skills in our program back in the spring of 2016 when a co-worker who was enrolled as an Adult Ed College Transitions student brought him along to visit the Learning Center. He has been a dedicated student and we are so proud of this great accomplishment!
ELL Conversation Class
This informal class is for students who want to practice their English language skills by speaking, listening, reading and writing. Conversation themes might include current events, holidays, American culture, or life skills topics. It is held weekly over Zoom and welcomes all levels.
Schedule: Open Enrollment. Tuesdays, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Sign up here or call 207-594-9764 to get started.
ELL Class for Beginners
This class offers extra support for those at the beginning level, with a focus on grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and life skills. Students have the opportunity to practice listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in a small group environment.
Schedule: Open Enrollment. Tuesdays and Fridays, 11:00 AM- 12:30 PM
Sign up here or call 207-594-9764 to get started.
ELL Citizenship Exam Prep Class
This managed enrollment class is offered in sessions with a start and end date. It supports students looking to prepare for the United States Citizenship Test, but is open to ELL students seeking more practice in language skills.
Practice for the Citizenship Interview, review the N-400 form, and study American government and civics in this 8 week Citizenship Prep class. The focus this session will be American history.
Schedule: Thursdays, February 25 – April 15, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
Sign up here or call 207-594-9764 to register for the next session.