Experts in their subject material, Elon students will soon become teachers of English conversation classes for non-native speakers. The classes, which will be held twice weekly in El Centro, are open to all members of the community who want to learn or improve their language skills.

The hour-long classes, which will be offered at both beginner and conversational levels, will focus more on communication than grammar. While set lesson plans are sent to each class’s teachers, the lessons often change.  Because each English language student has a different level of understanding, preplanned lessons don’t always fit all.

“We try to adapt to them instead of them adapting to us,” said Raquel Cortes Mazuelas, assistant director of the Spanish Center. “We use everyday language.”

This year will mark the third year of ESL classes at Elon, which began when Carrie Ray, class of 2010, wanted to give back to the Hispanic community. Ray teamed up with El Centro to create a mission statement and lesson plans to teach English to non-native speakers.

The student teachers this year, both new and returning, are preparing to meet the needs of those wanting to learn.

“They want to know more,” said senior Evan Studenmund, who is returning for his second year of teaching ESL. “You have to be ready for anything,”

The mission of the language classes is to equip the non-English speaking community with practical English conversation skills. Though the preliminary objective was to teach to Spanish speakers, the class is open to anyone in the community who wants to learn English.

Some student teachers have gained a lot from the classes. Sophomore Jordan Glover learned how hard it is for a non-native speaker to learn English.

“Things you think are the most simple are usually the hardest things to teach,” he said.

The average beginner class size is 11, while the average intermediate class size is five. The teaching shifts are shared between 25 student volunteers.

The volunteers also babysit children while their parents—many of whom are 20 to 30 years old—attend these English classes.

Those interested in taking or teaching classes can contact Raquel Cortes Mazuelas at El Centro.