Liz Doles

Liz Doles, a volunteer at the Boston Public Library, teaches English as a Second language conversation class. The class meets every Thursday at 1p.m. in room number five and is open to anyone who is interested in improving their English skills.

Doles, a full-time student at UMass Boston, takes Japanese and Chinese classes in her spare time in hopes of making ESL a new career. Four months ago she noticed that there was a need for a tutor and met with the coordinator of the Dudley Literacy center. Doles was able to start right away.

“I feel strongly about volunteering,” said Doles. “I enjoy the ESL class tremendously.”

There are four conversation classes that are coordinated by the Dudley Literacy Center. “The class is generally 20-25 people and has all levels of fluency, from high to beginners,” said Doles.

The class starts off with an introduction and an icebreaker that is intended to make everyone feel more at ease. Then Doles breaks the class up into smaller groups to give each individual a chance to practice their spoken English in a non-threatening environment. “I try to make the class interesting for all levels of fluency,” she said.

“The class is a drop-in basis, and I urge people to come,” says Doles. “It is a very supportive atmosphere in everyone’s struggle to acclimate to a new environment.”

For more information on conversation classes call the Dudley Literacy Center at 617-859-2446