The Esperanza Center ‘s English for Speakers of Other Languages  (ESL) Program will be highlighted at the National Association of Bilingual Education (NABE) conference  February 16 -18 in New Orleans.

Last fall, the Esperanza Center introduced a new model of curriculum for the ESL program. The new model, Rotating Topical Curriculum, was created based on the results of surveys taken by students and volunteer-teachers.  It is effective because the ESL program uses a  drop-in model for student attendance, in addition to being volunteer-taught. It can be easily adapted for use in other small community venues that serve the immigrant population who may not necessarily have higher education as a goal and who are not able to commit to a formal-type model of class. The model has received national attention from Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)  and NABE for its unique and exciting approach.

Diana Siemer, ESL Coordinator at the Esperanza Center, will be presenting “Looking for Home: Creating an ESL Program for the Community” at the conference. Diana has a Master’s Degree in Educational Instructional Design and TESOL.

Tim Kelly, director of the Esperanza Center, says, “I am delighted to have Diana Siemer representing Catholic Charities’ Esperanza Center at this national conference and sharing our unique model for teaching English to immigrants.  It has been well received by volunteer teachers and students alike and we look forward to getting feedback from the conference participants. “