English Conversation Classes Starting at Library 

The West Springfield Public Library will offer adult evening classes in English for Speakers of Other Languages, (ESOL) starting in September at the library at 200 Park Street in West Springfield.

Classes take place two evenings per week, and students are grouped according to their level of communication as follows:      

High Beginning    
Level 2      
6:00 - 7:30 pm. - Tuesdays and Thursdays

High Intermediate
Level 3       
7:30 - 9:00 pm. - Tuesdays and Thursdays

Placement interviews begin on Tuesday, September 15 and Thursday September 17, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

These classes are open to adults from all nationalities, languages, and ethnic and cultural backgrounds who are interested in improving their communication skills. With major emphasis on conversation, students learn effective oral expression, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary development, syntax, idioms, idiomatic expressions, reading and writing skills.

These classes are conducted in English only, and all students participate in one-to-one and group discussions in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. 

Jonas Barrientos, the class instructor and program coordinator has been teaching and setting up ESOL programs at local libraries, community programs and in private industry since 1974. He holds a TESOL Certificate (Teachers of English for Speakers of Other Languages) from the International Language Institute.  These classes have helped hundreds of individuals to learn practical English skills, and to move on to higher education, employment and retention, career mobility, citizenship, and overall positive involvement in the community.

For further information, please leave your name at the library or contact Mr. Barrientos at 736-4561 ext 6.

The program is sponsored by a grant from the Community Development Office, and contributions from area sponsors.