Needham Community Council Logo

570 Hillside Avenue
Needham, MA 02494

Needham Community Council Logo

570 Hillside Avenue
Needham, MA 02494

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English Language Learning

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English Language Students

Free English language tutoring and conversation classes for adults who live or work in Needham.

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English Language Tutors

Volunteer tutors help students who are new to English: an enriching and satisfying experience.

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Current Events

Events for our ELL Students and Tutors to enrich their learning.

English Language Students

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Student Info

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Who Can Participate in the Program?
  • Adults who live or work in Needham are welcome.
  • Complete the “Sign Up Here” above.  We will contact you to match you with a tutor.
  • There is no cost – all tutoring is FREE
  • All levels of learners are welcome!
How Long do Students Meet with a Tutor?
  • We ask that students meet at least an hour weekly for at least nine months.
  • Of course you and your tutor can take vacations.
When and Where do Students and Tutors Meet?
  • Students meet weekly with tutors in the morning, afternoon, evening, or on weekends  for about an hour.
  • Both in person and on Zoom
  • Space is available at Needham Community Council either outdoors or in the building
  • At the Needham Free Library
Additional Student Resources

Try these on-line resources:  ELL Student Resources

Helpful local community resources: ELL Focused Community Resources

Contact Info

Please email the ELL Program Manager, Julie Tovar, at

jtovar@needhamcouncil.org

Learning Opportunities

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Class Basics

All Classes listed below are held at the Needham Community Council unless otherwise noted.

To join a class, please complete a sign up and select group classes.  Our program manager, Julie Tovar, will be in touch to help you find the a class that is perfect for you.

Sign up Links:

Class sign up here

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Запись на занятия здесь

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If you have any questions, please contact Julie Tovar at jtovar@needhamcouncil.org or 781-444-2415.

Beginner Level Classes

Monday Morning Beginners
Mondays 9:30-10:30 am, Oct 16 – Dec 11
Volunteer Leader: Susan Kams
Small group for beginners. Practice conversation and
learn about US culture.

 If you have any questions, please contact Julie Tovar at jtovar@needhamcouncil.org or 781-444-2415.

Beginner - Advanced Beginner Level Classes

Tuesday Night Conversation–ONLINE
Tues 7:30-8:30 pm on ZOOM. Starts Oct 3
Volunteer Leader: Deborah Lashley
Drop in for informal English practice!

Advanced Beginner - Intermediate Level Classes

Thursday Grammar and Conversation
Thursdays 1:15-2:15 pm. Starts Sept 28th
Volunteer Leader: Heidi Waldstein
Practice conversation and grammar

Intermediate - Advanced Level Classes

Intermediate Conversation
Tuesdays 1-2 pm. Starts Sep 27
Volunteer Leader: Jan Cohen
Discuss current events and read short news articles.

Intermediate Short Story Group ONLINE
Tuesdays 9:30-11:15 am on ZOOM
Volunteer Leader: Rick Perras
This group will read and discuss short stories and practice
conversation.

Songs, Conversation, and Current Events
Weds 11 am – noon Starts Oct 4
Volunteer Leader: Rick Perras
This group will practice English with songs and current
events.

Intermediate/Advanced Short Story Group ONLINE
Thursdays 9:30-11:15 am on ZOOM
Volunteer Leader: Rick Perras
This group will read and discuss short stories and practice
conversation.

Friday Intermediate Group
Fridays 10:30 am at Needham Community Council
Volunteer Leader: Beverly Schwartz
Join us to practice vocabulary and conversation.

Saturday Intermediate Citizenship
Saturdays 9:30-10:30
Volunteer Leader: Charnay Kirsch
Intermediate level learners with a green card can prepare
for the US Citizenship interview and test.

Contact Info

Please email the ELL Program Manager, Julie Tovar, at

jtovar@needhamcouncil.org or call 781-444-2415 for more information.

English Language Tutors

Tutor Info

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How do I Become a Tutor?
  • Twice a year, Spring and Fall, we run a tutor training program for new tutors.
  • If you are interested and over 18, we encourage you to fill out the Tutor Interest Form to begin the process.
  • We will contact you to discuss the available opportunities
  • Tutors are required to complete training classes which take place over several evenings.
  • A CORI form is required.
What Makes an Effective Tutor?

Tutors DO NOT need to know the language of their student or have teaching experience.

  • Being flexible, welcoming, and open to other cultures is essential.
  • The training workshop provides a variety of techniques for teaching without the need for translation.
  • A good ELL tutor can speak English fluently, articulate clearly, and is familiar with American culture.
  • We support tutors with resources and training.
Different Tutor Opportunities
  • Individual Tutoring
  • Group Lessons
  • Conversation Groups
  • On-line or In person meetings
  • Special Events – field trips, cooking classes, knitting group
What’s the Time Commitment?
  • We ask that tutors and students participate for at least 9 months, meeting once a week.
  • Most meetings last for 1 to 1.5 hours.
When and Where do Students and Tutors Meet?
  • Students meet weekly with tutors in the morning, afternoon, evening, or on weekends  for about an hour.
  • Both in person and on Zoom
  • Many students prefer to meet virtually
  • Space is available at Needham Community Council either outdoors or in the building
  • At the Needham Free Library
What do English Language Learners Want to Learn?
  • Most learners want to improve their listening comprehension and speaking skills to communicate better with co-workers, neighbors, school and medical personnel, on the phone, etc.
  • Many need to read and write better for everyday life or employment.
  • Many students want to become more familiar with American culture.
  • Some have a specific goal in mind, such as getting a job, a driver’s license, or a GED, becoming a U.S. citizen, or passing a college entrance test.

Other Resources

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Websites Resources for Tutors

There are a number of on-line resources we recommend for tutors of all levels of students.

On-Line Resources for Tutors

Current ELL Events

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Event Information

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Fall Walk and Talks Coming Soon!

Join other learners and tutors for a casual Walk & Talk around Needham. 

This is a free event and is a chance to meet others and learn from each other.  Adult English language learners and fluent English speakers are invited to chat while enjoying the fresh air. All levels welcome! We will walk for about 60 minutes and return to our starting point.  

Check back for more information regarding location and schedule. If you have any questions, please contact Julie Tovar at 781-444-2415 or jtovar@needhamcouncil.org