What Are We Teachers Thankful For?

As we prepared for time with family and friends this past week, consuming the proverbial turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, I thought about my gratitude for my job and my students. I am so thankful to be a teacher of Adult English Learners at the LSS Center for New Americans. I am thankful for our students who consistently awe me with their strength, persistence, and determination. I asked my fellow teachers to share what they are thankful for.  Here is what they shared:

I am thankful for my students’ unique perspectives and life experience, their willingness to help one another, and their energy and enthusiasm.

~Kate

I’m thankful for our students’ patience when we have technical issues.  They are so understanding and gracious!  I’m also thankful for our great coworkers – they are my friends as well as coworkers.  I guess LSS attracts nice people!

~Amy

I appreciate our students’ eagerness both to learn about English and American culture, and also their willingness to share about their own language and culture.

~Sarah

I am grateful that our students want to be in classes, and want to work hard to learn! It is so wonderful to teach students like that!  I am grateful we have a way to have class with both in-person students and Zoom students.  I’m grateful for the times we laugh and have fun in class!

~Susan

I am thankful for the courage, persistence and strengths our students show every day.  I am thankful for the upgrade in technology which allowed the teachers to better serve the students.  I am thankful for the awesome co-workers at the Center for New Americans.

~Diana

I’m thankful for the laughter I get to share with the students. It’s the best thing that accelerates our learning.  I’m thankful for people I get to work with. They are my teachers! Because of them, I can be a better person and keep growing as a citizen of the world.  Thank you for letting me share!

~Rihoko

Written by Heather Glidewell | LSS Center for New Americans | Adult ESL Instructor & Volunteer Coordinator Assistant
300 East 6th Street, Suite 100 | Sioux Falls, SD 57103
1-866-242-2447 toll free | 605-731-2059 fax

America 101: Cultural Orientation at LSS

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Two PowerPoint slides shown to students in Cultural Orientation class

Adjusting to life in a new country is no easy task. New arrivals to the United States must learn new practices and ways of being to survive and thrive. To help with this transition, LSS offers Cultural Orientation class every month. The class is offered to clients who have just arrived in the U.S. and teaches essential skills and knowledge about American life. It covers topics including home safety, American laws, banking and finances, education and healthcare.

One special feature of this class is its use of guest speakers. LSS invites community members to Cultural Orientation to lend their expertise on pertinent topics. We have law enforcement officers, health professionals and financial experts come in to speak to the students. Not only do the students benefit from the insights of these guest speakers but they are also introduced to trusted community members that they can call upon later for help and support. Building these bridges helps make the transition to life in Sioux Falls easier for new arrivals.

Community building is done not only through guest speakers but also through the dynamic, multicultural nature of the class itself. Students in the class come from many different countries, cultures, languages and backgrounds but they are all there for the same reason: to learn how to live and thrive in their new home. This shared purpose helps the students bond and build community in the class. Cultural Orientation’s teacher, Silke Hansen, notes, “One of my favorite things about Orientation is that new arrivals from different countries meet and get to know each other which might not have happened otherwise.”

Cultural Orientation is taught for two weeks every month from Monday through Friday for 3 hours per day.

Kate Harris ESL Instructor & Career Navigator
LSS Center for New Americans
P: 605-731-2000 | F: 605-731-2059
300 East 6th Street, Suite 100 Sioux Falls, SD 57103
LssSD.org

Xcel Energy Helps Immigrants Excel in Sioux Falls

Students participate in a hybrid classroom

LSS Center for New Americans once again received a generous grant from Xcel Energy. This grant has helped to provide classes that prepare students to enter the workforce. The project, called Career Literacy for Refugees and Immigrants, teaches students career readiness skills such as critical thinking, teamwork/collaboration, leadership and digital literacy. The project also provides instruction in the four major language skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. These skills help students find jobs, advance in their current jobs or find jobs that match the skills and training they had before they came to the U.S. Many of our students have gone on to get and excel in jobs in production, manufacturing, industry, customer service and other areas.

One unique feature of these classes is that they use the hybrid model of instruction in which there are some students learning online and some students learning in–person simultaneously. This model enables students to come to class and learn in a way that best suits them, their schedules, and learning preferences. It also provides equity for students who do not have the skills or resources to participate in Zoom instruction. Each LSS classroom is equipped with an OWL (combination camera/speaker/microphone) that allows online students to see and hear their in-person classmates and vice versa. Students have been very receptive to the model, often joking and having conversations between online and in-person students.  In one recent class, a student joining class online for the day instantly recognized the voice of an in-person student; the two students immediately starting chatting like old friends. Interactions like this warm the hearts of our instructors and build community in the hybrid model.

Xcel Energy provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices.

The company also supports communities and local community organizations in four major areas: STEM education, workforce development, environmental protection and stewardship and arts and culture. Xcel Energy has partnered with LSS for seventeen years and specifically with the Center for New Americans for the past twelve years.

Thank you to Xcel Energy for your generosity, compassion and commitment to our students. We are thrilled to see our students “xcel” thanks to your sponsorship!

Kate Harris  ESL Instructor & Career Navigator 

LSS Center for New Americans

P:  605-731-2000  | F:  605-731-2059

300 East 6th Street, Suite 100  Sioux Falls, SD 57103

LssSD.org

A Celebration of Cultures

The Festival of Cultures drew a large and diverse crowd to Falls Park on a beautiful Saturday in June. Blue skies and lots of sunshine brought together vendors, singers and dancers and plenty of  food from all over the world.

A beautiful morning to start setting up for the big event

Mayor Paul TenHaken kicked off the event by reading the World Refugee Day Proclamation, informing the audience of the significance and importance of the refugee population. 

The World Refugee Day Planning Committee which included LSS, the Presentation Sisters, South Dakota Voices for Peace, Caminando Juntos, the Multicultural Center, Sioux Falls Public Library, and other amazing community advocates, put together a booth at the Festival to celebrate our refugee community in honor of World Refugee Day. 

Falls Park was full of people, and we were so happy to welcome many visitors to our booth to read poems written by refugee students from the Center for New Americans, play trivia about refugee resettlement topics, and learn more about the refugee community in Sioux Falls.

One of our newest entrepreneurs from the refugee community, Nadifa Mahamed

Lindy Obach, ESL instructor, staffed the booth with many wonderful volunteers throughout the day. “We had so much fun meeting people and telling them more about the vibrant refugee community here in Sioux Falls. Our trivia game was a big hit, where we asked questions about refugee resettlement, language, geography, and United States citizenship. The day was awesome, and we connected with so many people.” 

Written by Lindy Obach and Silke Hansen, ESL Instructors at LSS-Center for New Americans

300 East 6th Street, Suite 100 | Sioux Falls, SD 57103

1-866-242-2447 toll free | 605-731-2059 fax

Volunteering Via the Internet ~ Hello Zoom Classroom! Part B

Students and teachers at the Center for New Americans rely on the help and support of classroom volunteers.  When our classes went online last spring, we had to find innovative ways to bring the volunteers back into the classroom.  Volunteers that were used to the traditional classroom have now become efficient and comfortable with the virtual online classroom.

This is the second in a series of three interviews.  Stayed tuned in the coming weeks to hear more about volunteering via Zoom.

This week I talked with Volunteer Jeaneite.  She has been a volunteer since 2017.

First, how did you hear about the Center for New Americans?

I heard about CNA one Sunday in church in Vermillion.  I recently retired from working in education and was looking for a volunteer opportunity.  The Center for New Americans seemed like a good fit.

Why did you want to get involved?

I wanted to get involved to make a positive difference for other people. I worked with ESL students for many years and understood the value of this program.

What are some of your favorite memories from working with a student/in class?

My favorite memories always involve the look on someone’s face when the “light bulb comes on,” when someone understands something they have been working on and having difficulty with.

How has Covid changed the way you volunteer and how are you adapting?

COVID has changed the way I volunteer because I now work with the students on Zoom instead of in person.  It is more difficult to read how students are processing the information.  It has been beneficial for me though because we are in Arizona for the winter this year, and I am still able to volunteer.  I am very appreciative for the opportunity.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering at CNA?

I would highly recommend volunteering at CNA to anyone who asked me.  It is a win-win-win.  It is good for the students to get more one-on-one or small group practice.  It helps the teacher in working with more students at their level and giving students more drill and practice. It is very rewarding for me to see people learn and become more proficient and comfortable in their communication skills.

Want to be a classroom volunteer?

Contact diana.streleck@lsssd.org

Apply Here

https://lsssd.org/what-we-do/center-for-new-americans/volunteerapplication.html

Written by Heather Glidewell | LSS Center for New Americans | Adult ESL Instructor

300 East 6th Street, Suite 100 | Sioux Falls, SD 57103

1-866-242-2447 toll free | 605-731-2059 fax

Thankfulness

Our students studied health this past month, which I found appropriate as I asked my students this past week what they were thankful for.  Health was their number one answer!

Even as we enter the coldest months of the year, always rampant with flus and colds, and we face a new virus, we are still thankful that we have our health.  These words were not given lightly as many of my students have already been affected by coronavirus in their families and friends, and they all hope that we continue to stay healthy.

Additionally my students told me that they were thankful for family, friends, a safe home, food, and jobs.

But most importantly, my students are also thankful for the opportunity to continue learning English, even if it is not in a traditional classroom.  They are thankful for Zoom, the Internet, and their teachers that continue to reach out and teach them. 

And I am thankful too.  I am thankful that my students are dedicated, hardworking, and inquisitive.  I am thankful that my students continue to thrive even when things look bleak.  I am thankful that we are able to provide English classes to such wonderful people.  I certainly miss them in my classroom, but I am beyond grateful that we have found a way to connect and continue on through this pandemic.  I am so grateful that my students have remained strong and healthy.  I am happy that those who have been sick, have been able to return to the Zoom classroom.  I am thankful that we are here to celebrate together.

Written by Heather Glidewell | LSS Center for New Americans | Adult ESL Instructor

300 East 6th Street, Suite 100 | Sioux Falls, SD 57103

1-866-242-2447 toll free | 605-731-2059 fax

IN THE SPIRIT OF JOY

Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church upholds its name. 

Updated Technology in the Classrooms Helps Provide Successful Online Classes

A couple of years ago, Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church had set aside money in their yearly Outreach budget to support a new refugee family.  However, this year in light of the pandemic, an alternative was needed for the designated funds.  The Outreach Committee discussed the situation with the LSS Development Department, and it was decided to donate the $5000 to the education department at the Center for New Americans in order to support technology in the classroom.

The LSS Center for New Americans provides English classes to preliterate through pre-GED students, vocational classes, and citizenship classes to refugees and immigrants within the Sioux Falls community.  The classrooms were dramatically changed this past March when the program searched for a safe, online solution.  As of today over 150 students are attending classes via Zoom, but with outdated laptops and lack of appropriate microphones and speakers, the initial launch of classes was accompanied with an array of technology challenges. 

This generous donation supported the purchase of essential technology for the Center for New Americans.  Classrooms are now equipped with instructor laptops, audio-speakers and microphones.  Now limited in-person students and virtual students will be able to communicate with their teachers and their classmates. 

Carole Chell, Outreach Team Leader, and also a volunteer for Lutheran Social Services, says, “I’m surprised how well it [using Zoom classrooms] has gone.  The students have adapted well!”

Written by Heather Glidewell | LSS Center for New Americans | Adult ESL Instructor

300 East 6th Street, Suite 100 | Sioux Falls, SD 57103

1-866-242-2447 toll free | 605-731-2059 fax

Voices of Inspiration

Academic Words that Students Have Worked with this Past Semester

In my class at the Center for New Americans we work on academic vocabulary.  Recently we came across the word, “inspire.”  As we discussed this word and came up with examples, one student said, “Teacher, you inspire us to learn more.”  I have to admit, I did feel all warm and fuzzy after she told me this.  However, I feel it is I that is inspired by the students.  Their dedication and tenacity continues to amaze me.

 

Of note, at our most recent graduation ceremony, one of the speakers, a student from Guatemala, said, “I started out in class 1.  Now I am in class 4.  I knew only 7 words of English when I came to the United States.”  This accomplishment has involved years and years of study!  So very amazing!

Another student, a young man from Ethiopia, also addressed the students (as his adoring wife looked on and recorded his speech on her cell phone).  He was able to share, “I want to continue my education.  I want to be able to read and speak English well enough to continue onto college.  I want to help others.”  I wish him all the best in his endeavors!

 

Finally, a Bangladeshi woman also gave her fellow students advice, “If you don’t learn English, you are shut in at home.  One needs to learn English because it is important to get out of the house, important to get a job, important to communicate with schools about children, etc.  Learning English is a responsibility.”  Very well said and so very important to hear!

It is truly inspiring and a privilege to be a teacher of these wonderful students.  I can only hope to aspire to be even half as inspiring as they are!

 

Written by Heather Glidewell | LSS Center for New Americans | Adult ESL Instructor

300 East 6th Street, Suite 100 | Sioux Falls, SD 57103

1-866-242-2447 toll free | 605-731-2059 fax

Technology in the Classroom at the Center for New Americans

It’s not just English anymore.  Refugees and immigrants that come to the United States are no longer just bombarded with a new language.  They also have to quickly and successfully learn to navigate technology.

For instance, each morning I come to work.  I log into a computer and sign in for the day.  I check my email for any new messages.  I upload documents to share with my students.  I search electronic files and print papers.  At home I pay my bills, shop online, and communicate with family and friends all over the United States and beyond.

So it goes without saying that to live in America people need to be very fluent in technology. Students look forward to learning technology in our classrooms.  They know that technology is necessary for navigating this new country they are now living in.

At the Center for New Americans we help students learn about technology in the classroom.  In addition to computer specific classes, the Center for New Americans offers monthly technology days in all English classes and often includes technology in daily lesson plans.

Many of our students are dedicated to learning English and mastering computer technology.  They faithfully come to combined English and technology classes.  When asked why they are so dedicated and why technology is so important to them, this is what they answered:

One student, a hardworking young man from Sudan, says he came to the United States “because  it is a free country.” English is important to him, because it’s “the official language in the U.S.  I need to speak and write it,”  but he believes technology is equally important because, “I want to learn computer to apply for a job.”

Another student, a young mother from Ethiopia, came to America because, “I want to live in a free country.” She says that in addition to learning English, “Computer skills have become more and more important as companies have started to depend upon computerized technology to get almost every work done.”

I am so very proud of my students for recognizing the importance of technology and embracing it with such determination.  Kudos to you and here’s looking towards an amazing future!

Written by Heather Glidewell | LSS Center for New Americans | Adult ESL Instructor

300 East 6th Street, Suite 100 | Sioux Falls, SD 57103

1-866-242-2447 toll free | 605-731-2059 fax

 

Why English? From the Mouth of a Student

According to the Center for Immigration Studies, a total of 22,491 refugees came to the United States in 2018, and the largest number of refugees came from the countries of Congo, Myanmar, Ukraine, Bhutan, and Eritrea.  It goes without saying that the main languages of these countries are not English but rather Congolese, French, Kayah, Ukrainian, Russian, Tigrinya, Kunama, and a handful of other tribal languages.  For these grateful refugees, it becomes a matter of extreme importance to learn English once they reach the United States.  To simply navigate a grocery store or secure employment or pay a bill, refugees must have a basic working knowledge of English.  That’s where the instructors at LSS step in, providing a hand up to help get over the mountain.  We are so very proud of our students’ accomplishments and dedication.

Recently one such enthusiastic student spoke about the importance of learning the English language.  Here is what he passionately told all the other students here at the Center for New Americans:

“So this is my first time talking in public.  I’m nervous.  I’m pretty sure I will have too many mistakes, but that’s okay because that is the reason we are here.

We are here for to learn.  We are hear for to learn speak, for to learn write, for to learn read, for to learn listen.  There are four skills.  Everybody we need learn that.

I know it’s no easy.  But nothing is easy in this life.  So I think if you work hard, if you work with discipline and consistency, you can get it.

So almost everybody here in this room, we have something in common.  We are here to this beautiful country, finding something.  Finding a best life.  But we have a problem because this beautiful country have [a lot of] opportunities, but almost everybody speak English here.  So that is the main reason because we need to learn this language, everybody.  We need to work hard for get it good.  I think so.  No we need to work hard just for living.  We need to work hard for make difference.  We need to make difference and help another people, every day.  So for that we need dreams.  We need dreams, but no just dreams, we need dreams with goals because dreams without goals are just dreams.  We need to say life goals, yearly goals, monthly goals, daily goals, every day.  And we need work hard.  So I believe in everybody.  I believe in me.  I think so, you just, we need to keep going and get it.  So I think so, that’s it.”

 

Written by Heather Glidewell, ESL Instructor