Free English Classes

For many individuals in this country, learning English is a difficult task. From migrating and learning a new language to starting a new life, many things become challenging in certain areas and aspects. 

Centenary University has recently announced they will host English as a Second Language (ESL) courses for anyone in the public beginning April 1. 

The sessions are free to the public and are specifically designed to help immigrants and non-native speakers develop proficiency in English. 

Centenary University’s Christina Lenway is in charge of these classes. I sat down with Lenway and discussed this new venture. 

What is your position here at Centenary University? 

I am the Academic Enrichment Coordinator for Multicultural Students, the “new” Academic Success Center.  

What information can you tell us about this new class Centenary is offering to the public?

Since I’ve been here, I have offered it both semesters, Fall and Spring. We put it out to the community so anyone can join. It’s free. We are offering it once a week rather than twice as we did last semester. We had a basic class and an intermediate class. 

Do you teach the course?

I do. I have a degree as a Reading Specialist, which is not ESL, but language is language. I think the component that's critical for me–and I've really worked on over the years as an educator–is that it's communication arts. Communication is reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Each class, I try to model after those four communication arts, meaning each class students are reading, writing, listening, and speaking in that way. It’s an integrative approach. 

Can anyone join?

Anyone can join. Although the class is now full, this class will be offered again in the Fall. We partner with community members such as Trinity Church, who send students our way. Hackettstown High School as well. We are in constant communication with one another, because we understand there is a great need out there in the community. 

How are classes designed?

I tailor each class to the needs of the students. If they come in with a certain passed level, then we move on with new information to the next thing. For example, last Spring I had a bunch of women who worked in the healthcare industry, so we tailored their language for workforce development skills to meet the skills of their specific needs for their jobs. We want to make it personal so that way they come back and benefit from the classes. 

Why did you become involved in teaching ESL to the community? 

My dad was an immigrant, so I understand the struggle. Growing up, I watched him struggle to make a living, trying to find good jobs. He wasn't educated in this country, so he didn’t really know how it works. I really do understand the plight of that population. I am passionate about helping out because I saw firsthand how difficult it can be, to assimilate into a culture and sometimes not being treated as well for not speaking well. 

Individuals have called my office and asked if I can help them get rid of their accent. That's the saddest part, because they know they aren't being treated properly because of their accent. I always tell them no. I can help you learn English, but you should never get rid of that. It’s one of the most beautiful things about you. 

Any closing statements?

It’s easier to have someone translate back and forth, but you're not going to learn as quickly, so I do a lot of immersion with the students. I don't let them off the hook very easily. I make them work for it. It's fun because, a lot of the time, I will speak Spanish to them, and the students will answer me in English. I’ll sort of suffer through with them so that way they feel more comfortable, and we both work for it. 

For more information about ESL courses and language courses, contact Christina Lenway at Christina.Lenway@CentenaryUniversity.edu