Teacher Spotlight: Tom Hettmansperger
The tutors and teachers at Mid-State Literacy Council are from all walks of life. For one volunteer, Tom Hettmansperger, teaching has been a lifelong path.
A Pivotal Experience
Originally from New York City, State College has become my home during the completion of my B.S. degree, Global and International Studies, and Master of International Affairs degree.
The Importance of Writing
The thought of sitting down and writing can often seem scary and daunting. It’s sometimes hard to put your thoughts into words, or to craft that perfect sentence. When you’re all finished, however, there’s no feeling quite like having written something you’re proud of—something you want to share with the world.
Digital Literacy Keeps Students Up to Date
Technical skills are not only relevant to the youngest generation. While the latest gadgets are always in the hands of teenagers, everyone must adapt and learn new technology to access everything from doctor’s appointments and health insurance to job applications, online training, public services, and community information.
Equipping teachers… equipping students
The best teachers are constant learners. In line with that axiom, an enthusiastic group of tutor recruits joined together to start their summer at our New Tutor Training in late May.
English is a path to realized dreams
English literacy is very important to Zull-kifuly Moumouni, whose goal is to create an education center in his home community in Benin, Africa
How to Raise a Resilient Reader!
Do you have a friend whose glass is always half full, who always makes lemon-aide out of lemons?
Health literacy a recurring theme at Mid-State
Every Tuesday and Thursday over the past winter, a group of 15 adult learners of English filled a classroom at Mid-State Literacy Council.
Honoring the Maxwells
If a community is fortunate enough to be the home of such generous, personable, and kind-hearted people as Ron and Mary Maxwell, then it should reserve a time to celebrate them.
Countdown to the Spelling Bee
The 20th Anniversary of the Ron and Mary Maxwell Community Spelling Bee is right around the corner, making this a very lively and exciting time at Mid-State Literacy Council. The Spelling Bee is just one of Mid-State’s special events that gives the community a chance to celebrate literacy and recognize the organization’s goals.
Priyanka
One goal shared by many of the students at Mid-State Literacy Council is to increase confidence when conversing with native English speakers. Priyanka, a young woman from India, works in a local restaurant in downtown State College.
Maria Suarez
Maria lived in Cuba her entire life until moving to Miami, Florida two years ago to be with her sisters. She recently moved to State College to live with her daughter who is pursuing her Ph.D. from Penn State University. She started learning English only one year ago and began by watching television shows and YouTube videos.