Tutor: Jennifer Nowack
Jennifer is a volunteer who began in 2023 when she witnessed another literacy tutor teaching a student in the library and had questions about it. She was enthusiastic about teaching a student, in fact, she has a teaching background. Jennifer was matched with Billie and they meet at the Stephenson Library in Marinette. Jennifer enjoys a student who also likes to learn new things and they can share stories about family and hobbies. Jennifer teaches using stories and humor, which Billie very much enjoys. Jennifer keeps her class time enjoyable.
Student: Billie
Billie was born and raised in Germany and met her husband-to-be when he travelled to Germany. Billie then moved to the USA and began with our literacy council to improve her English in 2014, becoming a USA citizen in 2019. She has had several different tutors but her match with Jennifer seems to be a match made in Heaven, so to speak. Billie's spoken English and comprehension of the langauge has greatly improved. She was now given a text so she can improve speaking and understanding local slangs and know how to answer questions, such as, "Ayyy, wat's happenin?" or, "What's the latest scoop?" Billie loves to cook and bake so will gladly share her good German recipes with Jennifer. If you expect to find a very quiet class with Jennifer and Billie, think again. They have fun and share some good laughs. This is what makes their learning sessions fun and enjoyable as they continue to learn togther.
Congratulations Jennifer and Billie on being named March 2025 Tutor/Student of the Month!
Tutor: Ruth
Ruth has been a trained literacy tutor since 2016 and has several student success stories since then. Ruth and Milka became a match in September 2024. Despite Milka's work hours they have tried to meet whenever they can. Ruth has Spanish as a second language background and that helps with her undertanding and translation of Spanish in their classes. However, Ruth also knows the importance of using Engish in classtime. Ruth helps Milka to learn English words and terms that are important for use in her work at the Mexican grocery store. Ruth is patient and kind and also has a terrific sense of humor so laughter is definitely a part of their classtime. Ruth loves teaching and that sense of joy comes through in her classes. Ruth is glad that Milka keeps a positive frame of mind about her continued learning.
Student: Milka
Milka has been a student of this literacy council since August 2024, then in September she was matched with Ruth. Milka is bright and eager to learn. She has family members who are also learning English and she has a desire to mix with her community. Milka is employed at the local Mexican grocery and loves trying to help her customers who use the store, both English and Spanish speaking. Milka is working hard on learning terms and sentences to help customers find and purchase items in the store that are needed for certain recipes so she enjoys working with Ruth on learning those names. She is proud that she has learned common greetings, time and numbers. Since Milka's children are learning English at school, they help each other along in their progress. Milka enjoys her classtime with Ruth and feels she is learning well from her.
Congratulations Ruth and Milka for being chosen as February 2025 Tutor/Student
of the month!
Tutor: Mary Hayes
Mary Hayes has been a trained tutor since 2014 and this is her 4th student. Mary is a retired teacher and is known for being very kind and patient. Mary has helped Nayelhy, not just with her English studies but is a friend as well. In fact, Nayelhy requested that Mary and her husband, George, be witnesses at her marriage.
Student: Nayelhy
Nayelhy came to our program in June 2023. Since then her knowledge of the English language has grown. She has gotten married and has begun working on her immigration process. Her long range goals are to become employed and become a USA citizen. She continues to work hard to learn more and she does all the tasks that she is given to further her education.
Congratulations Mary and Nayelhy for being chosen as tutor/student of the month!