Lee University’s Department of Language and Literature will again offer free English as a Second Language classes to the community through its English Language Center from Jan. 25 through April 12.
There will be five level of classes offered ranging from Beginner, for those with no English experience, to Advanced, for those who want to improve academic English skills. This wide range of levels, along with small class sizes, allows the teachers to address the unique learning style of each individual so students can achieve their personal goals.
The program is led by Dr. Christopher Blake, associate professor of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and linguistics at Lee and director of the ELC. The courses are taught by student-instructors, all of whom are professionally trained in the TESOL program.
“One of the greatest rewards of being part of the English Language Center is meeting the wonderful people in our community who have such an incredible motivation to learn English,” said Dr. Blake. “Since the opening of the English Language Center in fall 2011, we have seen the number of enrolled students grow each year —from just 15 in the first semester to over 80 adults now attending classes each week.”
English instruction will be offered to adults and high school, middle school, and elementary students. High school students will receive instruction through the ELC youth program, directed by Dr. Betsy Poole, assistant professor of Spanish and linguistics at Lee.
Free childcare will be provided for children ages 6-12, which will include English lessons and activities suited for the young age group.
Classes will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Walker Memorial Building, with signs directing students to the building and rooms.
Walk-in registrations are welcome the evening of the first class.
The English Language Center program is funded, in part, by a grant from the Athens Federal Foundation.
For more information about the classes, contact Blake at cblake@leeuniversity.edu or (423) 614-8223.