Free English Classes Build Confidence, Independence

The requests for a spot in Learning English Together come in every day, even after registration for the next session has closed. Waitlist management is a regular part of Cindy Newland’s day as director of JSSA’s Learning English Together, a program that offers free English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes to residents of Montgomery County, Md.

“Other ESOL programs are getting this flux too, they’re getting just tons and tons of students,” Cindy said. “The need is greater than the access.”

More than 900 students registered for JSSA’s Fall 2024 session of Learning English Together. Free English classes are held in-person across Montgomery County as well as online. This is the first year since the pandemic that in-person classes have eclipsed online registrations.

Learning English Together is open to all adults who want to learn or improve their English proficiency. Prior to serving as program director, Cindy taught ESOL classes for almost 20 years. She has helped thousands of students build confidence and gain independence.

“Teaching these classes is not about giving students the skills to learn a new language, it’s actually giving them skills to help jumpstart the next part of their life,” Cindy said.

From Volunteer to Career

Cindy grew up in South America and attended high school in Mexico City. So, when she first volunteered to teach an ESOL class more than 20 years ago, her Spanish proficiency came rushing back.

She’s been so grateful for the opportunity to help students learn English so they may better navigate their environment, have greater success getting a job, or better communicate with their children’s teachers.

Another primary driver of taking ESOL? Volunteering. Cindy said countless students have shared their desire to improve their English has come from a want to be more involved in their local community, school, or church.

In addition to teaching English, Cindy has volunteered to teach individuals applying for U.S. citizenship for the past six years and has helped more than 80 students became U.S. citizens.

“I enjoy meeting people from different countries and unique walks of life, so teaching ESOL is perfect,” she said.

Today, Cindy manages the day-to-day activities of the Learning English Together program, including hiring instructors and childcare workers (childcare is provided for learners with children), registering students, and coordinating classes at local schools.

“To me, I think of it as oh you’re just learning a second language,” she said. “But to them it’s freedom.”