English as a Second Language

Our Program

An estimated 856,778 adults in the greater Chicago area have limited English competency. Not only are they struggling to use the English language, approximately 34% do not have the equivalent of a high school diploma in their native language.

Literacy Chicago's tuition-free English as a Second Language (ESL) program is delivered through volunteer one-on-one and small-group tutoring, and through classes taught by experienced, professional, and culturally-sensitive ESL instructors. For those students planning to take the citizenship test, we provide tutors who can help them achieve this exciting goal.

We offer three levels of English classes, from beginning ESL literacy to high-intermediate. Beginning students learn the basic English skills needed to survive in the community, at work, and at home.  At every level, students work on improving their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

Our professional instructors provide encouragement and support so that students feel confident using English outside the classroom in a very short time. They give students opportunities to practice their speaking skills through role-plays and conversations in class as well as excursions to libraries, restaurants, and museums. An average class size is 15 to 20 students. Classes meet four times a week in the mornings and evenings, and once a week on Saturdays. Students usually meet with their tutors once a week.

For registration and class schedule information, click here.

Our Students

Literacy Chicago's ESL students represent more than thirty-five countries, including such places as Mexico, Ethiopia, Guatemala, China, and Bosnia, just to name a few, contributing to a multicultural environment. Our instructors help to create a respectful and friendly community in their classrooms, where learners share their experiences from their native countries as well as the challenges they face as they assimilate to life in the United States.

Learning English isn't easy. To give our students the best possible chance for success, we carefully evaluate their needs and skills, and help them assess their own strengths before they begin classes. Students take a placement test to enter the program at the appropriate level. We care about the progress our students make, so we assess them every two months and advise them of their progress. The ESL program at Literacy Chicago offers our students a great opportunity for self-improvement.

Tutor Training

Because ESL students need as many opportunities as possible to use the English language, we ensure our volunteer ESL tutors are not only able to converse in English but to listen. The ideal ESL tutor is an engaged and animated listener who encourages the student to keep talking. When students feel successful using English, they are likely to use the language more and progress faster.

Our ESL tutors complete a 12-hour training program before being matched with a student. Tutors are trained to know the characteristics of adult learners, techniques for teaching speakers of other languages, lesson planning, and learning styles. Literacy Chicago is known for its comprehensive volunteer training.

Our professional staff serves as an additional resource to volunteers, offering lesson suggestions and study materials as needed. Click on Get Involved for additional information.

ESL at Infant Welfare Society and Iglesia de la Santa Cruz

Literacy Chicago offers ESL classes at two other Chicago locations. Infant Welfare Society is a health clinic serving a predominantly Hispanic population, located at 3600 West Fullerton, in the Logan Square community. Literacy Chicago offers two levels of ESL classes at this location Monday through Thursday mornings. Students with children have access to free onsite childcare.

Iglesia de la Santa Cruz is a church serving a predominantly Hispanic population, located at 6545 South Springfield, near Midway Airport. Literacy Chicago offers two levels of ESL classes at this location on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Opportunities for Partnership

In addition to offering our ESL programs, Literacy Chicago offers assistance to organizations that want to establish their own ESL classes at an independent location. Typically, we ask that the organization has identified a minimum of 20 people who will participate in the program. For information, please call Literacy Chicago at 312.870.1100.

For More Information

For more information on participating in our ESL program, please contact John Madigan, Lead ESL Instructor, at Jmadigan@literacychicago.org or 312.870.1100, ext. 116.