Volunteer Spotlight: Catherine Coundjeris
When did you first start volunteering with The Literacy Council of Frederick County and what made you decide to do so?
I started back in 20II. Although I worked with a basic literacy student at that time, I changed to working with ESL students in 20I3. I had taught ESL Writing at the College level in Urban College, Boston and found it a very rewarding experience and wanted to work with ESL students again. I started with tutoring ESL students and then as a facilitator for a Student Led Conversation Class.
What kind of volunteering do you do with us? Please describe a meaningful experience that you have had while volunteering.
In addition to working as an ESL coordinator, I also teach the writing classes here and the Student Led Conversation Class. I’m the founding co-editor of Reflections: Voices of English Learners.
Before Covid, my student-led class would serve meals at each session. We met for about 2 hours in person. It was fabulous realizing that we share more similarities with people from different parts of the world than differences, especially where food is concerned. It brought us all together. One student said that if she hadn’t learned English, she wouldn’t have been able to make such good friends from people around the world. Friendship building is a great motivator.
What is something that you have learned as a volunteer for the Literacy Council that you would like to share with our volunteer community?
The Literacy Council is a real community for our students. They come to class yes to gain English skills for work, and other forms of literacy like math and digital literacy, but many return because they want to see their friends. It is a safe place to tell their stories and to gain skills to make their lives better. I would recommend that teachers build a relationship with their students first because that bond is the basis for all the learning that comes later. I found that listening is the biggest technique for teaching ESL students. Get them talking and then listen to what they have to say. Give them time to formulate their thoughts.
What do you like to do when you’re not volunteering with us?
I enjoy gardening and swimming in the summer, and reading and writing on rainy days and during the winter. I am learning to knit and to play the Irish Whistle. I also enjoy dinners with my family and meeting friends for lunch.