Lee University’s Department of Language and Literature will offer free English as a Second Language classes to the community through its English Language Center beginning Thursday.
There will be five levels of classes offered ranging from Novice, for those who speak no English, to Advanced, for those who are more proficient in English. This wide range of levels and the small class sizes allow the teachers to address the unique learning style of each individual so students can achieve their personal goals, said officials.
The program is led by Dr. Chris Blake, associate professor of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Linguistics at Lee and director of Lee’s ELC. The courses are taught by student-instructors, all of whom are professionally trained in the TESOL program.
For the second year in a row, English instruction will be offered to high school, middle school, and elementary school students along with adults. The high school students 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, and TESOL-trained students direct this program as well, incorporating English lessons and activities suited for the young age group.
“We are very excited about the continued growth of the English Language Center” said Dr. Blake. “This is our eighth year of providing ESL classes to the community, and we especially want to thank Athens Federal Foundation for their generous financial support over these years. So much of what we do has been made possible by their commitment to our vision and work.”
Classes will be held Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30 in the Walker Memorial Building, with signs directing students to the building and rooms.
For more information about the classes, contact Dr. Blake at cblake@leeuniversity.edu or 614-8223.