The West Bloomfield Adult Education program helps provide English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction to people ages 18 and older from different parts of the world. In fact, the program’s coordinator Dawn Hanford said over 38 nations were represented last year.
“Students from all over come to us to learn English, and being that we’re an immersion program, we only teach in English, so students learn very quickly,” Hanford explained. “Also, if students have children of their own, a goal of ours is to make sure they’re able to assist with their children’s education.”
Hanford’s role includes mentoring, supervising and planning professional development for the program’s teachers; she said she also doubles as a counselor for students and must ensure every one of them is meeting benchmarks and progressing at least one grade level.
“The students know how hard it is to learn a new language, so they share what they know and encourage those who are hesitant,” West Bloomfield Adult Education teacher Pam Kiesel said. “My class cheered when a student finally spoke a complete sentence!”
The program also serves as an outlet for social activity, one where everyone is met with humanity and respect, which promotes peaceful and neighborly interactions. Both the teachers and students specifically look forward to the potluck dinners that usually occur twice a year (one around the holidays and the other at the end of the school year) where students have the opportunity to literally "bring something to the table."
“The students are always very excited to show off their food, their creation, their talent and their culture,” teacher Paula Konfara said. “It’s more than food. It embraces each individual, their personality, culture, traditions, family life, hobbies and experiences. We enter into their world and yet become one.”
Hanford agreed: “The thing we enjoy sharing is the food we traditionally make. Meals we share bring us all together because we all love great food!”
This semester’s classes began September 8 and will go until December 16. Hanford said the plan this year is to acclimate students to Canvas, the world’s fastest-growing learning management program, as well as Burlington English, a unique program for English language acquisition, in case students develop Covid-symptoms and need to work from home or in preparation for another shutdown.
To limit class sizes and maintain social distancing, students, unlike in the past, had to commit to the two evenings (Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 and 9 p.m.) they plan to attend. Students are tested when they register and split into three levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced.
In addition to the free evening classes, West Bloomfield Adult Education also offers tuition-based classes for those who test out and are looking for more advanced practice: Advanced English on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Pronunciation and Conversation on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Book Club on Mondays from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Regardless of the class type, all students are required to wear masks and be Covid symptom-free; additionally, they are not allowed to attend if they have travelled internationally within the last 14 days.
West Bloomfield Adult Education’s year-round classes are held at 7071 Orchard Lake Rd (Suite 100) in West Bloomfield. For more information or to register, call (248)-539-2390. Please note that you must call to make an appointment to register as walk-ins will not be accepted.
