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English Language Learning (ELL)
English Language Learning (ELL)
A welcoming community for English instruction
Mercy Connections provides a variety of opportunities for adults seeking to learn English language learning (ELL).
A Safe Learning Environment
A prerequisite for learning is safety. Former refugees and asylum-seekers often have experienced war, trauma, and long difficult journeys. Along with English language acquisition, many of our ELL students are working toward economic independence, stable housing and transportation, and access to other resources. Tutors, teachers, and staff at Mercy Connections are committed to offering kindness and respect for all who come for services.
Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 21 - June 03
Time: 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm (note: there is also an evening class available on Wednesdays, see the evening selection for more information)
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Veronica Bernicke
Description: This group class is continued from the fall session, and is intended for adults beginning-level English Language Learning (ELL) students for whom English is a new language, but who have not had previous exposure or limited language instruction.
Students should be familiar with simple present and past tenses and possess the ability to answer basic question and answer structures.
The class will include instruction in the four main skill areas of ELL development: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Instruction will also focus on survival English skills, studying the letter names and sounds in English, greetings, self introductions, asking/answering simple questions, and basic conversation skills.
How to Register: Contact Veronica or Raquel
Veronica Bernicke
vbernicke@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7084
Raquel Aronhime
raronhime@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7162
Registration Deadline: January 14
Date: Wednesdays, January 22 - June 04
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm (note: there is also an afternoon class on Tuesday/Thursdays, see that selection for more info)
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Maxine McGowan
Description: This group class is continued from the fall session, and is intended for adults beginning-level English Language Learning (ELL) students for whom English is a new language, but who have not had previous exposure or limited language instruction.
Students should be familiar with simple present and past tenses and possess the ability to answer basic question and answer structures.
The class will include instruction in the four main skill areas of ELL development: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Instruction will also focus on survival English skills, studying the letter names and sounds in English, greetings, self introductions, asking/answering simple questions, and basic conversation skills.
How to Register: Contact Veronica or Raquel
Veronica Bernicke
vbernicke@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7084
Raquel Aronhime
raronhime@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7162
Registration Deadline: January 14
Date: Mondays and Wednesdays, January 22 - June 04
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Maxine McGowan
Description: This group class is intended for adult beginning level English Language Learning (ELL) students who already have some basic English language skills (see requirements below).
Instruction in Beginning Level II will include increasingly complex reading, writing, listening and speaking skills that facilitate communication throughout the community. Examples include the study of vocabulary in thematic units to describe family relationships, searches for housing, understanding utilities, job descriptions, etc.
Registration Requirements: Basic English language skills and completion of the Beginning English Level I course.
How to Register: Contact Veronica or Raquel
Veronica Bernicke
vbernicke@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7084
Raquel Aronhime
raronhime@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7162
Registration Deadline: January 14
Date: Mondays and Wednesdays, January 22 - June 04
Time: 11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Veronica Bernicke
Description: A small group class for non-native English speakers, or beginning students of the English language who have not yet had formal literacy instruction in any language.
The class will focus on phonics and Roman alphabet letter formation. Instruction will also include survival English skills, greetings, self introductions, and asking/answering simple questions.
Registration Requirement: Please contact us to schedule a language assessment before registration.
How to Register: Contact Veronica or Raquel
Veronica Bernicke
vbernicke@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7084
Raquel Aronhime
raronhime@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7162
Registration Deadline: January 14
Date: Wednesdays, January 22 - June 04
Time: 11:15 am - 12:30 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Raquel Aronhime
Description: Intermediate-level English speakers will work to improve their English conversation skills in this fun and engaging class. The class will offer activities that focus on oral communication, learning about the U.S., and cross-cultural exploration.
How to Register: Contact Veronica or Raquel
Veronica Bernicke
vbernicke@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7084
Raquel Aronhime
raronhime@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7162
Registration Deadline: Ongoing
Session 2
Date: Tuesdays, April 8 - June 3
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Melissa Lang
Description: This class is intended for intermediate-level English language learning students who want to improve their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in a fun way.
Each week, students will learn about a new person from U.S. history, or from current events. Students will have the opportunity to read about individuals who have shaped the U.S., or who have had a significant impact on the country.
Examples of topics to be covered include key figures in the Civil Rights Movement, leaders in technology, innovation and education, current political figures, and people who have influenced U.S. arts and entertainment.
How to Register: Contact Melissa by email, or call 802-846-7084
Registration Deadline: April 11
Session 1
Date: Mondays, January 27 - March 24
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructors: Claire Wheeler & Maxine McGowan
Description: This student-centered class introduces topics related to starting a business in Vermont, and is co-taught by instructors from the Inclusive Entrepreneurship and English Language Learning programs.
Each class will include vocabulary instruction and examples of cultural practices essential for exploring entrepreneurship. Students will have opportunities to practice open conversations and learn directly from business owners.
Registration: This class is designed for intermediate-to-advanced level English language learners. All interested students should contact Raquel Aronhime by email, or call 802-846-7162 to schedule a chat to review level of English prior to enrolling.
Registration Deadline: January 15
Date: Mondays, April 14 - May 19
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructors: Claire Wheeler & Maxine McGowan
Description: This workshop is designed to introduce aspiring adult entrepreneurs to self-employment and assist with creating a vision and plan for a path forward that includes business ownership.
Registration: Space is prioritized for intermediate-to-advanced English language learners. Call Claire at 802-846-7081 or email cwheeler@mercyconnections.org
Registration Deadline: April 11
“You can give me a million dollars and I will spend it all. But advice and knowledge is something I can keep for my entire life.”
— Kongwa, U.S. Citizenship Preparation Student