Wellesley ESOL
The Wellesley Free Library sponsors Wellesley ESOL, a program for people who live and/or work in Wellesley and for whom English is a new language. Dedicated volunteers provide beginning through advanced tutoring and classroom instruction to help develop language skills necessary for successful participation in the community. Students acquire language skills and an understanding of life in the United States through reading, writing, speaking and listening in a welcoming environment.
Watch a short video about Wellesley ESOL.
ESOL Coordinator: Doreen Soderling
Email: wellesleyesol@minlib.net
Voicemail: 781-591-1247
Classes are currently full. Applications will be accepted beginning August 2025.
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
NO CLASSES IN JULY AND AUGUST. CLASSES WILL RESUME IN SEPTEMBER 2025.
MONDAY:
Intermediate/Advanced Kate (zoom) 9:00-10:00
Beginner Matthew (zoom) 10:00-11:00
TUESDAY:
Intermediate/Advanced Stephanie (zoom) 9:45-10:45
ADV Beg In Person–Rm 204 Carolyn 10:00-11:15
LOW Intermediate In Person–Rm 204 Carolyn 11:30-1:00
Beginner In Person- Rm 204 Carolyn 1:00-2:30
Short stories intermediate/advanced Alex (zoom) March 18-May 6th 1:00-2:15
Intermediate/Advanced Kate (zoom) 7:00-8:00 pm
WEDNESDAY:
Beginner In Person Room #102 Shelly 9:00-10:00
Intermediate Conversation In Person Room #102 Tanya 10:00-11:30
THURSDAY:
Learning American Culture through the NY Times – Friendly Aid Building – Christine 9:30-10:45
At the Friendly Aid building:
Wellesley Friendly Aid location
FRIDAY:
Drop in casual conversation All levels Conf. Room #204 Lilia 9:00-11:00
Helpful Resources
Mango Languages
Mango is designed to equip you with conversational abilities from the very start. Whether you’re learning how to order a pizza or ask when the game starts, Mango immerses you in real, everyday conversations in 60 different language courses and ESOL instruction for speakers of 18 languages. The newest feature is language learning through film with popular films in their native language.
MassLINKS
MassLINKS provides access to free educational services for residents of Massachusetts supporting their educational attainment and employability through standards basic skills and/or English language instruction, workplace readiness instruction, and college preparation activities. All instruction and services are delivered remotely.
News For You Online
This interactive site uses real news articles to help with learning to read, write, speak, and understand English. Seven new stories are posted each Wednesday along with audio, exercises, vocabulary, a crossword puzzle, and a poll. Listen to each article in full, or sentence-by-sentence. Click on any story to get started or to hear and see a sample. You will need a password to enjoy all the features of this site. Please email us for the password.
PressReader offers 7000 daily newspapers and magazines from 120+ countries in 60 languages using a computer or mobile app. Using either a computer or mobile app, you’ll find global news from the world’s most reputable journalists and sources, including The Washington Post, The Guardian, and The Globe and Mail. Explore magazines on a wide range of topics including art, science, business and history. Click here for a tutorial on how to use PressReader.
Volunteer Position Description: ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Tutor/Teacher
Purpose:
To help adults whose first language is not English learn to speak, understand, read, and write English.
To help broaden students horizons through a one-to-one tutoring relationship or through small group instruction.
Responsibilities:
Prepare lesson plans based on the needs and interests of the student.
Select materials and approaches that are suitable for the student’s ability and needs.
Respect the student by involving him/her in decisions about the learning process.
Encourage the student by praising him/her and by showing a positive attitude about learning.
Guide the student in his/her understanding of American culture.
Reporting:
Complete periodic progress reports.
Keep in contact with the ESOL Program Coordinator about changes or problems.
Recommended training:
Attend an ESOL tutor training workshop series, held at regular intervals at the Wellesley Free Library and other locations. Workshops meet for 2+ hours weekly for a five week period. Check with the ESOL Coordinator for additional training details.
Support:
Round-table meetings and refresher training opportunities for tutors/teachers to share questions and concerns.
Language learning materials collection on the second floor of the Library.
Time Commitment:
Weekly for 60-90 minutes for a minimum of nine months, plus prep time. (Of course, you are allowed to have vacations!)
Welcome to the Wellesley ESOL Tutor Training Program at the Wellesley Free Library! Dedicated volunteers play an integral role in this program’s success, and we are delighted to have you with us.