ELL Coordinator, Bill Harris, has grown the ELL program while also teaching some of the classes!
Historically, the Literacy Alliance has been focused on adult foundational education for English native speakers. However, in 2023 the first English learning classes were launched after almost 20 years of not offering such classes. We hired our first English Language Learning (ELL) Coordinator, Bill Harris, who has been instrumental in growing the program in addition to Lead Teacher Aimee Parker.
Since 2024, Literacy Alliance has been honored to partner with Beyond 90, a local organization supporting Jacksonville’s immigrant community, and the YMCA, which operates the New American Welcome Center, and the Islamic Center of Northeast Florida. Our first business partnership was also created with North Florida Sales.
Each partner now has on-site English learning classes including at Faith Community Methodist Church, which generously hosts Beyond 90 on its campus. These classes have supported both recent arrivals and long-term immigrants in building essential language skills for daily life and long-term success.
In addition to English instruction, other classes include job readiness workshops focused on developing the soft skills needed to enter the workforce. Participants learn about interview strategies, workplace communication, resume writing, and basic computer classes which help them gain practical tools to confidently pursue employment opportunities. We look forward to continuing these meaningful partnerships and wish our partners at Beyond 90, YMCA, and the Islamic Center of Northeast Florida continued success in their vital work and lasting impact in the community.
Lead Teacher Aimee Parker with one of the many growing English learning classes throughout the community.
The ELL Team even coordinated family trips to the Jacksonville Public Library to sign up for library cards and learn how to use library services.
