March 19, 2003

BOISE STATE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS TO TEACH ADULTS ENGLISH

Boise State University’s Canyon County Center in Nampa is looking for volunteers with a desire to help adults with their English.

Opportunities are available in two areas. Some students don’t read at all, or read at such a basic level that one-on-one help from a volunteer is the only way for them to make progress. Others are new to the United States and need help with their new language.

In the adult literacy program, volunteers commit to work with a student once or twice a week at a mutually convenient time. Orientation and mentoring are provided to the tutor by Carmen Swan, coordinator. To learn more, call Carmen at 426-4713.

No knowledge of a foreign language or prior experience tutoring is required to help students who are learning English as their second language (ESL). Most English learners cite the lack of English-speaking friends as their biggest obstacle to learning the language, and all that many of them need is someone with whom to carry on simple conversations. Others need help with ESL class assignments or with particular needs such as pronunciation, reading, writing or grammar. Tutors with some ability to speak Spanish or another language can be especially helpful for beginning English learners.

The ESL program offers two opportunities to help these students. In the Tuesday/Thursday program, tutors are asked to commit to assisting a student from 6-7 p.m. for just one month (four to eight hours). Volunteers will meet with their students in the Learning Center for Adult Basic Education at Boise State's Nampa campus on Caldwell Boulevard.

Volunteers who cannot commit to the Tuesday/Thursday schedule can still be matched with an English learner and have tutoring sessions on the Nampa campus at a mutually convenient time.

ESL volunteers will be oriented and mentored by ESL instructors Katya Gourley and Janet McCornack at the Nampa campus. To reach them, leave a message at 426-4714.

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Fern Van Maren

Center for Adult Basic Education

426-4714

Kathleen Craven

communications and marketing

426-3275

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