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Programs
ESOL through Civic Literacy Program
We envision a culturally and economically vibrant community whose residents all have access to the English language and to tools for civic participation. The NICE ESOL through Civic Literacy Program provides:
- Flexible ESL classes based on a Civic Literacy Curriculum
- Seminars, clinics and guest lectures on topics of civic participation and immigrant and workers rights
- Teacher training and development aimed at college aged immigrants who are aspiring teachers
The NICE ESL and Civic Literacy Program provides an informal, non-judgmental environment where students can come together to increase English language fluency and gain confidence in their ability to speak English for civic, social and political purposes. Our students are divided into small groups according to level of proficiency, thus maximizing individualized attention. Participants are encouraged to attend all classes, however, if a student misses a class or an entire semester, the program's emphasis on individual attention and review allows for a learner friendly catch up. In the tradition of popular education, we emphasize leadership and organizing within the classroom - our program does not uphold the traditional teacher-student relationship. Instead, students are encouraged to be active learners, serving as educators as well. Students are valued for their wealth of information and knowledge about the real world and can take charge of their education by collaborating with the instructor to tailor the lesson plans according to their needs.
In addition to increasing English language proficiency, an important goal of our program is to increase student literacy and preparedness for civic participation. We seek to give students the tools that will allow them to be active members of their community and to be able to exercise their rights as workers, immigrants and residents of New York City.
Sample topics in our ESL and Civic Literacy curriculum:
. Immigration Employment Law
. Financial Literacy for Immigrants
. Health Access for Immigrants
. Understanding the Education System
. U.S. Government Structure and Current Immigration Proposals
. Rights of Undocumented Immigrants
Incorporating Civic Literacy into ESOL instruction
1) Through Day to Day Instruction
Rather than lifting the curriculum out of a grammar textbook, ESOL lesson plans are structured around civic participation and immigrant and worker's rights. Instruction on these topics is incorporated into day by day instruction at the appropriate level.
Here are a few examples:
- Students learn numbers and currency in English while learning about minimum wage laws and
fair wage and hour laws.
- Students learn days of the week, dates, times and family members while practicing how to make a doctor's appointment.
- Students practice present perfect tense while rehearsing ways to approach and follow through
with asking for a raise: "I have worked here for ___ years, I have never had a raise."
- Students practice conditional while exploring different options in each proposed immigration
reform. "If a guest workers program is implemented, I would." or "If legalization is granted, I
would."
- Students always learn vocabulary list (at the appropriate level) that correspond to particular civic participation topics.
Through Seminars, Clinics and Guest Speakers
In addition to incorporating Civic Literacy into day-by-day ESOL instruction, students partake in regular seminars, clinics and guest speaker series to maximize comprehension on specific topics of civic literacy and immigrant rights.
Seminars
Teacher led seminars are held bilingually or in student's native to maximize comprehension. However, English language acquisition continues to be paramount. For example, during our Financial Literacy Unit, teachers will give a seminar on "Myths in Immigrant Banking" detailing the banking rights of undocumented immigrants. At the same time, students have been learning banking vocabulary (e.i: checking account, deposit, debit, withdrawal) throughout the unit. Through the seminar the teachers will incorporate appropriate English language vocabulary and/or specific grammar skills into the seminar at the appropriate level.
Clinics
Clinics are often held in collaboration with partner organizations. These clinics help to link up students with specific services while, again, increasing civic literacy and English language acquisition. For example, a clinic on EITC will be scheduled during our Financial Literacy unit. Students will be signed up for EITC while they use their tax and income related vocabulary to communicate with the service providers. As another example we will hold a clinic on Back-Wage Claims during our units on Worker Rights, even if service providers/counselors are not fully bilingual, our students can use some of their newly learned vocabulary or phrases to express their concerns: "My boss owes me $____, I have not been paid in ___ weeks."
Guest Series/Lectures
Guest speakers often include local or international community leaders engaged in community
organizing, social justice campaigns and/or local electoral politics. Guest speakers are invited in
accordance to what is happening during the teaching semester. For example during our health unit, we might invite a local health leader to talk about new hospital translation and financial assistance laws. During our Financial Literacy unit in the Spring, our guest will be a tax expert answering questions about ITINs.
A note on our teachers:
Young Teacher's Initiative
All of our "ESOL through Civic Literacy" classes are taught by a group of talented young teachers recruited, trained and retained through The Young Teachers Initiative. The Young Teachers Initiative is designed to give first and second generation Immigrant College, grad students and recent graduates who may be interested in teaching or immigrant rights as a carrier to be a part of our program and gain valuable career-defining skills in the process. Through the initiative, teachers gain valuable experience in teaching and social justice curriculum development and also become well versed in civic and political issues that affect the immigrant community. Student-teachers attend an intensive Teacher Institute which includes 4 full day Saturdays of training and then continue working closely with the Education Coordinator who provides them with feedback, assistance and mentorship as student-teachers develop their teaching style and skills. Participants in the initiative receive a small stipend at the end of the
semester and class credit can be arranged.
For more information about the ESL through Civic Literacy Program and for class schedules please
contact Valeria Treves at 718-205-8796 or valeria.nynice@gmail.com