Teach English to Our Immigrant Neighbors!

Tuesday, September 12 - Thursday, November 16, 2023

The Franconia Area Churches Cooperative for ESL began in 2001 with just two classes. In 2019, we had more than 300 adult English language learners attend classes at St. John's Lutheran Church, 5952 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, Va. We switched to online classes in April 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 140 adult English language learners, including many newly arrived Afghan refugees, registered for our fall 2022 classes on Zoom.

The students represent 47 countries and speak a variety of languages including Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Dari, Farsi, French, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese. They want to improve their job options and integrate into American society.

We offer classes at five skill levels, ranging from introductory to advanced. Students pay $40 to cover the cost of books.

Our volunteers include members of numerous area churches and many other caring individuals in the community.

Here's how you can help:

TEACH
Teachers must commit to at least one class per week, morning or evening. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., or 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Students attend both Tuesdays and Thursdays. Volunteers teach one class period a week. Classes will be taught on Zoom.

No teaching experience is necessary—just a desire to help our immigrant neighbors! Books and training will be provided. 

ASSIST WITH BOOK SALES

Volunteers are needed to sell textbooks on Sept. 5 and Sept. 7, 2023, from 7:15 p.m. to 9 p.m., at St. John's Lutheran Church, 5952 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA 22310. 

DONATE

Help subsidize the cost of books for students and teachers. Write a check payable to St. John's Lutheran Church, earmarked for "ESL program," and mail to 5952 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310. To contribute electronically, go to sjlc.com/give

PRAY

Join with us to pray that our combined efforts may make the difficult lives of our immigrant neighbors just a bit better.

For more information, contact ESL Coordinator Dori McCormick at esl@sjlc.com. Or visit: English As a Second Language.