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

Registrate aquí

Запись на занятия здесь

班級在這里報名

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
Volunteer Leader: Susan Kams
Small group for beginners. Practice conversation and
learn about US culture. Registration required. 

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

Advanced Beginner - Intermediate Level Classes

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

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

Intermediate - Advanced Level Classes

Saturday Intermediate Citizenship
Saturdays 9:30-10:30.
Volunteer Leader: Charnay Kirsch
Intermediate level learners can practice English conversation and prepare for the
US Citizenship interview and test. Registration required.

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

American Literature and Current Events
Weds 11 am – noon
Volunteer Leader: Rick Perras
This group will discuss current events and read and discuss
Hemingway’s “Old Man and the Sea.” Registration required.

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

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

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 & Talks were a Success!

Thank you ELL learners and tutors, and community neighbors for participating in the Council’s Fall Walk & Talk around the Reservoir trail.

We are looking forward to relaunching this program in the Spring. If you have any questions, please contact Julie Tovar at 781-444-2415 or jtovar@needhamcouncil.org.