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YWCA Princeton Kicks Off Its 2012-2013 English as A Second Language (ESL) Programming

By Diane Hasili
The YWCA Princeton English as a Second Language Program has kicked off its 2012-2013 with 22 teachers who will be teaching 35 classes from basic literacy to advanced English and American Culture. According to Program Director, Paula Rossi, “Each of our ESL teachers brings an impressive level of expertise to the table from diverse backgrounds and various professional education sectors, but all are drawn to our program by their common love for teaching and their passion to help adults who find themselves in a new culture.”
Veteran teachers Brandy Frank and Nancy Schenkel have each been with the ESL Program for more than five years. “I have learned as much from the students as they have from me,” states Ms. Frank who has a master’s degree in guidance counseling and started a free ESL program on Sundays in Princeton seven years ago. For Ms. Schenkel, who has a bachelor’s degree in communications and has taught intensive adult ESL courses in other programs, watching her students’ progress from basic literacy to advanced levels is gratifying.
Both teachers keep in touch with many of their former students who have moved back to their respective homes and those who permanently settled in the U.S. “Throughout the years, we as teachers have broadened our global perspectives as we learn about the cultures of the students in our classes”, states Ms. Schenkel. “We are a family here at the YWCA Princeton, and our students enjoy sharing their diversity with each other through a variety of activities, including cooking classes, potluck meals and dance exhibitions.”   
And, students are quick to share their love for their ESL instructors and the program. A close community and participatory curriculum in a small group environment allows lots of individual attention. The comfortable immersion-type setting includes numerous additional activities and events which create an atmosphere distinguishing the YWCA’s program from all others in the community.
With an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and numerous on campus events, students appreciate the ability to socialize and practice together.
Enrolled students have free access to Rosetta Stone throughout the week including weekends. Additional perks include cultural field trips, potluck dinners, free parking, easy access to train and bus routes and low-cost childcare availability during classes. 
Free workshops on various topics of interest such as job search skills, financial management, and everyday survival skills are available throughout the year. “We encourage those considering an ESL class to contact us as some of our classes have an open enrollment, meaning they can join at any time during the semester, or there may be a special event they can attend,” adds Rossi.
Some students enroll to achieve a goal, such as a job or higher education, while others do it in their leisure time as an activity and to become part of the community. The mission of the program is to build self-sufficiency among individuals and families whose native language is not English, and to be the preeminent resource in English instruction. 
This year’s instructors include Brandy Frank, Princeton Junction; Shaku Pandya, Princeton; Nancy Schenkel, Washington Crossing, PA; Yvette Mintzer, Princeton Standing are : Gordon Jacoby, Pennington; Julia Sonnenschein, Hillsborough; Barbara Wiskowski, Bridgewater; Meg Maher, Princeton; Eileen Mannix, Lawrenceville; Megan Coppock, Plainsboro; Donna Grushow, Lambertville; Roza Crea, Plainsboro; Elizabeth Samios, Princeton; Lori Haas, East Windsor; Jeanne Leiman, Princeton ; Paula Rossi, YWCA ESL Program Director, Hamilton.
Classes are designed to meet students’ needs, whether based on comfort level, skill level, a specific area such as pronunciation or conversation, or time of day. Classes are offered in the morning, afternoon, and evening during the week and on weekends to accommodate students’ schedules. For more information on offerings and schedules, they can be found at www.ywcaprinceton.org/esl or by calling (609) 497-2100 ext. 306/329.