May Tutor of the Month: Jeff

Jeff became a volunteer tutor in 2022. Jeff has taught previous students, some of whom then moved out of the area. But, Jeff gave them a good headstart on their English skills. Jeff also taught a small group of construction workers, referred by their employer. Then, in April of this year, Jeff became Shadrach’s tutor. This time, it wasn’t so much the spoken English that needed assistance but computer skills. Since prior to retirement, Jeff was employed as an educator, he is easing into this role very well. Shadrach has dreams of getting an advanced degree for his role as a minister and Jeff is stepping right up to help him in that endeavor. Shadrach would also like some help with understanding local slang. Jeff is glad to work with a student who is intelligent and has set goals.

May Student of the Month: Shadrach

Shadrach was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa, where he completed high school. He then went to Uganda where he attended ministry school and helped establish a church parish there. In 2015, Shadrach came to the USA, first to Oshkosh, then in 2024, he moved to Oconto where he is pastor of 2 churches. Shadrach’s spoken English is quite good although he states he would like to improve his pronunciation of certain sounds. His wife has also come to the USA and also plans to become a literacy student to learn English. Shadrach’s main language from his school days is French, which is taught in the Congo schools. However, the family also speaks an African dialect at home. Shadrach became a USA citizen in 2024 so today, a 2024 White House ornament was presented to him as a congratulations gift. Shadrach appreciates a tutor like Jeff who is helpful, kind and encourages him to do as much by himself as he can.

April Tutor of the Month: David

Dave first came forward as a literacy volunteer in 2021. He and his wife, Tracy, had moved into our area, Tracy’s hometown, after retirement. Being a person who gets involved, Dave quickly joined some local civic clubs and activities. We’re glad that our literacy council is one of the groups both he & Tracy chose to join. Dave was first matched with a couple of different students who sadly, didn’t choose to stay in our area. But at least they got a head start on their English with Dave. And Dave, knowing how to speak some Spanish, does help, of course. Then, in Oct. 2024, Dave was matched with Gabriel. They meet at the Lena Library and are reviewing basic spoken/written English as well as common farm phrases and phone conversations. Gabriel says that Dave is a patient and kind teacher.

April Student of the Month: Gabriel

Gabriel was born and raised in Mexico where he completed high school and one year of preparatory school for healthcare. He came to the USA in 2023, first to Texas, then in August 2023, he came to Pound. He is employed on a dairy farm and resides with friends and his brother. His brother is also learning English with a tutor, who just happens to be Dave’s wife, Tracy! Gabriel wants to learn English so he can improve his communication both at work and in the community. He is learning basic English concepts from Dave and also farm terms. Dave says that Gabriel is a very nice man to work with.

March Tutor of the Month: Jennifer

Jennifer is a volunteer who began in 2023 when she witnessed another literacy tutor teaching a student in the library and had questions about it. She was enthusiastic about teaching a student, in fact, she has a teaching background. Jennifer was matched with Billie and they meet at the Stephenson Library in Marinette. Jennifer enjoys a student who also likes to learn new things and they can share stories about family and hobbies. Jennifer teaches using stories and humor, which Billie very much enjoys. Jennifer keeps her class time enjoyable.

March Student of the Month: Billie

Billie was born and raised in Germany and met her husband-to-be when he travelled to Germany. Billie then moved to the USA and began with our literacy council to improve her English in 2014, becoming a USA citizen in 2019. She has had several different tutors but her match with Jennifer seems to be a match made in heaven, so to speak. Billie’s spoken English and her comprehension of the language has greatly improved. She was now given a text so she can improve speaking and understanding local slangs and know how to answer questions, such as, “Ayyy, wat’s happenin?” or, “What’s the latest scoop?” Billie loves to cook and bake so will gladly share her good German recipes with Jennifer. If you expect to find a very quiet class with Jennifer and Billie, think again. They have fun and share some good laughs. This is what makes their learning sessions fun and enjoyable as they continue to learn together.

February Tutor of the Month: Ruth

Ruth has been a trained literacy tutor since 2016 and has several student success stories since then. Ruth and Milka became a match in September 2024. Despite Milka’s work hours they have tried to meet whenever they can. Ruth has Spanish as a second language background and that helps with her understanding and translation of Spanish in their classes. However, Ruth also knows the importance of using English in class time. Ruth helps Milka to learn English words and terms that are important for use in her work at the Mexican grocery store. Ruth is patient and kind and also has a terrific sense of humor so laughter is definitely a part of their class time. Ruth loves teaching and that sense of joy comes through in her classes. Ruth is glad that Milka keeps a positive frame of mind about her continued learning.

February Student of the Month: Milka

Milka has been a student of this literacy council since August 2024; then in September she was matched with Ruth. Milka is bright and eager to learn. She has family members who are also learning English and she has a desire to mix with her community. Milka is employed at the local Mexican grocery and loves trying to help her customers, both English and Spanish speaking. Milka is working hard on learning terms and sentences to help customers find and purchase items in the store that are needed for certain recipes so she enjoys working with Ruth on learning those names. She is proud that she has learned common greetings, time, and numbers. Since Milka’s children are learning English at school, they help each other along in their progress. Milka enjoys her class time with Ruth and feels she is learning much from her.

January Tutor of the Month: Sue

Sue was first trained as a literacy tutor in 2018; however, her background is in teaching so she truly knows what sharing education is like. She has had previous students but since October 2024 has been tutoring Yves and Guy. Since the men are from Haiti, French has been taught to them in school and, guess what foreign language Sue taught in school? That’s right: French! So, although she’s enjoying having the chance to use her French again, she also wants the men to learn their advancing English skills. Sue says she enjoys her time teaching the men, who are intelligent, courteous, and considerate. She is able to somewhat adjust her schedule according to their work days. They meet at the Stephenson Public Library in Marinette and Sue always comes well-prepared and ahead of time for them to have a productive class together.

January Students of the Month: Yves & Guy

Being from Haiti, Yves and Guy were both educated in French in Haitian school and also taught beginning English. They also speak the Haitian national language Creole. And, Yves spent some years residing in Cuba so he also is fluent in Spanish. Yves and Guy both are employed at Saputo Cheese in Lena, working the night shift. They like their work but are trying to adjust to sleeping during the day. However, they always make sure they have time for class with Miss Sue as they value her efforts and service to help them. They work hard at their lessons and feel their English is improving, both for them in the community and at work. They don’t just say that Sue is a good teacher, they say, “She is the best!”

November Tutor of the Month: Carol Lee

Carol Lee requested information on becoming a volunteer tutor in May 2024 and by June began tutoring her first students, who she had volunteered to help. Meeting the couple both at church and in the community, Carol Lee realized this couple would appreciate assistance on improving their spoken and written English and proceeded from there. Carol Lee’s background as a college English professor certainly did help but, more than that, her kindness and empathy were very evident and heartfelt. She used the books given but also asked about others when needed. Meeting at the Lakewood library was a halfway point for them both and a bright part of their day and week. Although her tutoring will soon get a break due to her students moving out of the country for the winter, she looks forward to seeing them again in the summer when they plan to return.

November Students of the Month: Patrick & Christine

Patrick and Christine were born and raised in Camaroon, located in Western Central Africa where the primary language is French, along with many African dialects. Basic English is taught in schools in Camaroon but the couple would like to improve their English so they may find some employment while here and mingle with the community. They are currently residing in Wabeno but meet with their tutor, Carol Lee, at the Lakewood library. Patrick completed nursing school in Camaroon, along with a Master’s program. The couple has begun becoming active in the community, joining a church and attending community gatherings. Because their son is currently stationed in Morocco, the Dookas plan to spend the winter with his family there (where the weather is mild in the winter) and are looking forward to seeing their grandchildren. Patrick & Christine have told Carol Lee they plan to return next summer and plan to reconnect with her then. Being with the Dookas is a breath of fresh air as they always smile, are gracious and kind and laugh easily. They have improved their spoken English and reading ability and enjoy their lessons with Carol Lee, who has been a good friend to them. Thank you, Patrick & Christine for putting forth your best effort in class with Carol Lee.

October Tutor of the Month: Tracy

Tracy learned about being a literacy tutor, along with her husband, in 2021. She had several students following that but none showed as much promise to excel as her current student, Daniel. Of course, Tracy goes the extra mile for the sessions with him, which is very much appreciated. Tracy is kind, considerate and shares in the joy for her student’s successes. Tracy says that Daniel tries hard and is courteous and considerate.

October Student of the Month: Daniel

Daniel was matched with Tracy in August 2024 and they meet at the Coleman Library. He likes using the books: English/Spanish dictionary, the book Aprender Ingles & the Immigrant Guide. He is learning English, local customs and idioms in class and feels he is able to comprehend English better both at work and in the community because of his classes. Daniel’s sense of humor keeps the classes fun. He appreciates Tracy’s kind patience with him and enjoys class time with her teaching. He even invited Tracy to his birthday party! And, although Tracy could not attend, he did inform her of the fun time he had.