Immigrant and Refugee
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For more information on the programs offered though IRCOM, select the link:
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Teaching in a Literacy Program
2009 was a good year for Jennifer. Armed with a full backpack and a Central America guidebook, Jen left Canada to spend the next 9 months traveling in Central America. While abroad, Jen studied Spanish and volunteered with local community organizations; surprised at how difficult learning a language was, she decided to start volunteering at with a literacy class at IRCOM when she returned. Jen describes that she was “amazed by the dedication to learn a new language shown by the students in the class”, and found herself drawn to helping newcomers adapt and cope with the demands of their new home.
In January 2010, Jennifer enrolled in the ESL TCP in order to receive formal training and certification in this field. Given her love of travel, after completing the program Jen stated that “everyone asked where I want to go teach!” However, she told them “I am perfectly content to stay here in Winnipeg where I can help immigrants and refugees.”
And she’s doing just that. After graduating from the ESL TCP, Jen continued to volunteer with IRCOM, and she started substituting at The Language Training Centre at Red River College. Of the experience subbing, Jen shares that “each class is so different and it is great to get some perspective on what level I would most like to teach in the future.”
Jen concludes with enthusiasm, exuding her passion for her new-found career path. “I really feel as though I have found my niche for the moment. I love interacting with the students! They are all so unique and have different reasons for coming to Canada. This is by far one of the most fulfilling jobs I have ever had… I really feel like being an EAL teacher is exactly what I am supposed to be doing right now”
An update, from a year down the road...
Jen is now teaching full-time for IRCOM teaching CLB 1-2 - a position that would have been very difficult to secure had she not spent so much time volunteering there to support beginning language learners. Her dedication to her students is truly inspiring!
For more information about IRCOM, please visit them online at http://www.ircom.ca/. If you are interested in volunteering in an EAL class at IRCOM, you can see volunteer opportunities here: http://www.ircom.ca/VolunteerServices.htm.
In January 2010, Jennifer enrolled in the ESL TCP in order to receive formal training and certification in this field. Given her love of travel, after completing the program Jen stated that “everyone asked where I want to go teach!” However, she told them “I am perfectly content to stay here in Winnipeg where I can help immigrants and refugees.”
And she’s doing just that. After graduating from the ESL TCP, Jen continued to volunteer with IRCOM, and she started substituting at The Language Training Centre at Red River College. Of the experience subbing, Jen shares that “each class is so different and it is great to get some perspective on what level I would most like to teach in the future.”
Jen concludes with enthusiasm, exuding her passion for her new-found career path. “I really feel as though I have found my niche for the moment. I love interacting with the students! They are all so unique and have different reasons for coming to Canada. This is by far one of the most fulfilling jobs I have ever had… I really feel like being an EAL teacher is exactly what I am supposed to be doing right now”
An update, from a year down the road...
Jen is now teaching full-time for IRCOM teaching CLB 1-2 - a position that would have been very difficult to secure had she not spent so much time volunteering there to support beginning language learners. Her dedication to her students is truly inspiring!
For more information about IRCOM, please visit them online at http://www.ircom.ca/. If you are interested in volunteering in an EAL class at IRCOM, you can see volunteer opportunities here: http://www.ircom.ca/VolunteerServices.htm.
Educational Assistant: Newcomer Literacy Initiative
Five years into his retirement, Howard describes that he never expected this part of his life to turn out the way it has - but, then who does? Howard and his family had hosted ESL students for 9 years, opening his home to 14 students from Japan, Korea , and China before he considered the possibility of teaching English as an alternative career in his retirement. Last summer, when he opened the newspaper, and the course offerings for the U of W fell open to the ESL TCP page, the course of his retirement completely changed. After a short chat with the Program Coordinator and other U of W staff, he registered for the Fall 2009 term.
Before Howard’s retirement, he was the Provincial Coordinator of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs for Manitoba Education. His 38 year career involved the instruction of Deaf students using American Sign Language as the first language, and English taught as a second language.
After graduating from the program, an ESL TCP instructor forwarded an advertisement for a part-time position offered through the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM) to Howard that involved working with a blind refugee on settlement issues; he immediately applied for the position. Being hired for this position has resulted in a rewarding and challenging experience, Howard relays that his life experience in adapting for students with special needs, and his formal training through the ESL TCP gave him the necessary skills and resources to complete this job effectively.
Now, as he explores the field of ESL instruction and as his life adventure continues, he says he is indebted to the U of W staff, his fellow classmates, as well as the students he has observed or taught, for their influence in “changing his life”.
Before Howard’s retirement, he was the Provincial Coordinator of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs for Manitoba Education. His 38 year career involved the instruction of Deaf students using American Sign Language as the first language, and English taught as a second language.
After graduating from the program, an ESL TCP instructor forwarded an advertisement for a part-time position offered through the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM) to Howard that involved working with a blind refugee on settlement issues; he immediately applied for the position. Being hired for this position has resulted in a rewarding and challenging experience, Howard relays that his life experience in adapting for students with special needs, and his formal training through the ESL TCP gave him the necessary skills and resources to complete this job effectively.
Now, as he explores the field of ESL instruction and as his life adventure continues, he says he is indebted to the U of W staff, his fellow classmates, as well as the students he has observed or taught, for their influence in “changing his life”.