2009 was a good year for Jennifer Glenwright. Armed with a full backpack and a Central America guidebook, Jen left Canada to spend the next 9 months traveling in Central America. While abroad, Jen studied Spanish and volunteered with local community organizations; surprised at how difficult learning a language was, she decided to start volunteering at with a literacy class at IRCOM when she returned. Jen describes that she was “amazed by the dedication to learn a new language shown by the students in the class”, and found herself drawn to helping newcomers adapt and cope with the demands of their new home.
In January 2010, Jennifer enrolled in the ESL TCP in order to receive formal training and certification in this field. Given her love of travel, after completing the program Jen stated that “everyone asked where I want to go teach!” However, she told them “I am perfectly content to stay here in Winnipeg where I can help immigrants and refugees.”
And she’s doing just that. Still a volunteer at IRCOM, Jen is now substituting at The Language Training Centre at Red River College, and is also applying for several summer program positions. Of this experience subbing, Jen shares that “each class is so different and it is great to get some perspective on what level I would most like to teach in the future.”
Jen concludes with enthusiasm, exuding her passion for her new-found career path. “I really feel as though I have found my niche for the moment. I love interacting with the students! They are all so unique and have different reasons for coming to Canada. This is by far one of the most fulfilling jobs I have ever had… I really feel like being an EAL teacher is exactly what I am supposed to be doing right now”
An update, from a year down the road...
Jen is now teaching full-time for IRCOM teaching CLB 1-2 - a position that would have been very difficult to secure had she not spent so much time volunteering there to support beginning language learners. Her dedication to her students is truly inspiring!
For more information about IRCOM, please visit them online at http://www.ircom.ca/. If you are interested in volunteering in an EAL class at IRCOM, you can see volunteer opportunities here: http://www.ircom.ca/VolunteerServices.htm.
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