A beautifully written story with a question that is not easy to answer. Does our charity make people feel even more like helpless victims? Or does it provide moments of relief. We consider one case at a time - it is all we can do. Now, Sue, were YOU actually a teacher of adult ESL or was that just for the story?
Yes, I taught mostly ESL learners for the Truckee Branch Library Literacy program. I was the assistant coordinator there and my boss was down in Grass Valley, CA. She didn't like coming to Truckee, especially in winter, so I was hired. We eventually had over 45 learners at any given time and about two dozen tutors, some of which I trained with a special ESL booklet I wrote to fit the particular community in Truckee. During the seven years I worked at the library, I worked with about two or three dozen learners (not all at the same time ... whew!). Some I'm sure improved their conditions because of the tutoring. Others were more discouraging. ESL learners, however, are a lot better to work with because they or their families contact the library for help. English-speaking literacy learners are more reticent and work out tricks that help them navigate the world. I'm willing to bet some of our leaders are in that group ... high-functioning illiterates. As long as they have qualified, trust-worthy staff, their intellectual talents are useful.
Okay… this is officially weird. We will have to talk more about this. My entire 22-year career was in teaching ESL and in training ESL teachers. All my previous published works were for ESL teachers and students. They are out of print now, but you can see a few of them here. I wonder if you ever had any of them your library? https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/sharron-bassano/348924/
Oh gosh, this has made me think very unfestive thoughts! Wow, Sue, such a beautifully written story of something deeply troubling. A difficult paradox. Bravo. x
Thank you, Rebecca. Yes, it was a troubling scenario. These memories have been popping up like crazy since I started writing for Substack. Not only has it inspired stories and poems to post, but it's been good therapy. Sometimes I feel like Substack is a great big backyard fence with us all chatting away about our lives and bonding over common problems and triumphs. I love it and I love my friends, like you. Thank you.
A beautifully written story with a question that is not easy to answer. Does our charity make people feel even more like helpless victims? Or does it provide moments of relief. We consider one case at a time - it is all we can do. Now, Sue, were YOU actually a teacher of adult ESL or was that just for the story?
Yes, I taught mostly ESL learners for the Truckee Branch Library Literacy program. I was the assistant coordinator there and my boss was down in Grass Valley, CA. She didn't like coming to Truckee, especially in winter, so I was hired. We eventually had over 45 learners at any given time and about two dozen tutors, some of which I trained with a special ESL booklet I wrote to fit the particular community in Truckee. During the seven years I worked at the library, I worked with about two or three dozen learners (not all at the same time ... whew!). Some I'm sure improved their conditions because of the tutoring. Others were more discouraging. ESL learners, however, are a lot better to work with because they or their families contact the library for help. English-speaking literacy learners are more reticent and work out tricks that help them navigate the world. I'm willing to bet some of our leaders are in that group ... high-functioning illiterates. As long as they have qualified, trust-worthy staff, their intellectual talents are useful.
Okay… this is officially weird. We will have to talk more about this. My entire 22-year career was in teaching ESL and in training ESL teachers. All my previous published works were for ESL teachers and students. They are out of print now, but you can see a few of them here. I wonder if you ever had any of them your library? https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/sharron-bassano/348924/
Oh gosh, this has made me think very unfestive thoughts! Wow, Sue, such a beautifully written story of something deeply troubling. A difficult paradox. Bravo. x
Thank you, Rebecca. Yes, it was a troubling scenario. These memories have been popping up like crazy since I started writing for Substack. Not only has it inspired stories and poems to post, but it's been good therapy. Sometimes I feel like Substack is a great big backyard fence with us all chatting away about our lives and bonding over common problems and triumphs. I love it and I love my friends, like you. Thank you.
Oh wow, I know exactly what you mean. x
What your friend did was appalling. People are not THINGS. I am sorry she dragged you into this.
Quite the story. Yes, something at Christmas may not help much.