January 2025 |
Volume 13, Issue 1
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The Insider
The Insider, the monthly newsletter of LVA Essex & Passaic Counties, will keep you in the loop on all the organization’s upcoming events.
Alisa Takeuchi has been in Adult Education for over 23 years, and we were so lucky to have her present during our December workshop. She introduced our tutors to an innovative, web-based instructional resource developed to support immigrant and refugee students. Another amazing tool to help us better support our students. We are grateful!
Literacy Volunteers of America Essex & Passaic Counties90 Broad Street, 2nd Floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
(973) 566-6200, ext. 217 or 225 195 Gregory Avenue, 2nd Floor, Passaic, NJ 07055 (973) 470-0039 Cristhian Barcelos -Executive Director
[email protected] Jorge Chavez -Data Processing Coordinator [email protected] Sydnay Eckerling -Education Coordinator [email protected] Valeria Garrido -Social Media & Newsletter Coordinator [email protected] Cheryl Locastro -Tutor Support Specialist & ESOL Instructor [email protected] Marisol Ramirez -Student Coordinator [email protected] |
Greetings LVA family!
Happy New Year! As we embrace the chill of winter and the promise of fresh beginnings, we’re reminded that the season is not only about cold winds and warm coats but also about perseverance and the warmth of human connection. The start of a new year is a time to reflect on past achievements, set new goals, and celebrate the journeys that inspire us all. In this issue, we’re proud to share two remarkable stories from our LVAEP community. Giordany, an ESL student, exemplifies determination as he navigates the challenges of mastering English in pursuit of his dreams. His story is a testament to the resilience of learners and the power of education to transform lives. Alongside him, we highlight the journey of Victoria, a devoted ESL tutor, whose compassion and commitment have profoundly impacted her students' progress. Together, their experiences remind us of the critical role education plays in fostering growth and opportunity. This month, we also bring attention to a pressing topic with our featured story, "The drop in adult literacy is an economic issue too," from Marketplace. The article underscores the urgent need to address adult literacy, not only as a matter of individual empowerment but also as a key factor in building a robust and equitable economy. We encourage you to read this eye-opening piece and reflect on the broader implications of literacy in today’s world. As you browse this issue, don’t miss our In the News section, where we’ve curated additional articles and updates that shine a light on the importance of literacy and lifelong learning. Whether you’re a student, tutor, or supporter, these stories offer fresh perspectives and insights to inspire your efforts. Thank you for standing with us as we work together to open doors, change lives, and strengthen our community—one word at a time. Stay warm, stay inspired, and let’s make 2025 a year of meaningful progress! In the News
Copy and paste the highlighted website into an internet search bar to view the following stories.
“10 of the best books of 2024, according to these experts" PBS. https://bit.ly/40Edsz8 “American adults struggle with literacy, numeracy, international report finds" EdSource. https://bit.ly/40jgvLT “Mapped: Adult Literacy Rates by U.S. State" Visual Capitalist. https://bit.ly/4g7xHtz |
Giordany has been here for less than two years, arriving from Haiti in the spring of 2023. He had studied English in Haiti but found it difficult to speak English on a day-to-day basis. A friend introduced him to LVA, and he dreams of returning to his career as a teacher once his English improves enough.
Tutor Training WorkshopsOnline Training, by TBD
Platform: Zoom (sponsored by LNJ) Tuesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 am Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, & 25, 2025 Online Training, by TBD Platform: Zoom (sponsored by LNJ) Tuesdays 6 to 8 pm Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25, & Apr. 1, 2025 Online Training, by TBD Platform: Zoom (sponsored by LNJ) Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 am May 19, 21, 28, Jun. 2, & 4, 2025 Tutor Support Workshops"Comparative Grammar," with Steven Reid
Platform: Google Meet Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 11 am - 12:30 pm "Tips & Tricks: Basic Writing Skills II," with Dr. Barbara Trueger Platform: Google Meet Wednesday, February 19, 2024, 11 am - 12:30 pm Coffee Hour with Tutors
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Getting to Know Us
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The drop in adult literacy is an economic issue too
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Getting to Know Us
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