Lee University’s Department of Language and Literature will offer free English as a Second Language classes to the community through its Center for English Language and Literacy. Thursday night conversation classes begin Feb. 4 and Tuesday night literacy classes begin Feb. 9. Registration is currently open for both.
The C.E.L.L. will offer five levels of classes for all levels of learners, ranging from beginners who have little to no prior English instruction to speakers who are advanced in their knowledge of the English language. The class size is limited to 15 students, which allows teachers to tailor lessons to each students’ learning styles and goals.
To protect students against COVID-19, temperature checks, social distancing, and masks will be required. Hand sanitizer and masks will be provided.
The program is led by Dr. Chris Blake, Lee associate professor of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and linguistics; Andrew Crouch, student director of the C.E.L.L.; and Lee alumna Veronica Hodge, director of the new Tuesday night Literacy Center. The English classes are taught by Lee student instructors who have been professionally trained in the TESOL program.
For children ages 6-10, childcare will be provided by TESOL-trained students who will lead English lessons and activities suited for the young age group.
“We are excited about the spring ESL classes in the C.E.L.L,” said Dr. Blake. “Our COVID-19 protection plan worked very well in the fall semester, and we were able to have wonderful classes for our community each evening. We can’t wait to meet the new and returning students in just a few weeks.”
English literacy classes and conversation classes will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Walker Memorial Building, with signs directing students to the building and room.
For more information about the classes, email englishlanguagecenterlee@gmail.com or call 614-8223.
For more information about the Center for English Language & Literacy, visit leecell.org.