Intercambio Presents On-Site Workshop for Literacy Outreach for Madison County

Intercambio staff conducted a dynamic demo lesson in Portuguese, giving teachers a firsthand experience of language learning. This session not only deepened their understanding of the challenges faced by adult learners but also showcased effective teaching strategies to enhance language instruction.

Literacy Outreach for Madison County (LOMC) invited Intercambio to present an on-site literacy workshop for their English language teachers and program administrators of the five libraries LOMC supports. LOMC is a not-for-profit library association promoting literacy in New York that trains volunteer tutors and recruits adult learners who are seeking assistance in reaching their literacy goals. LOMC matches learners with skilled, caring tutors for weekly one-on-one sessions. The organization has utilized Intercambio’s resources for its programs for more than ten years.

Intercambio Director of Curriculum and Training Leanne Chacon and Director of Product Sales and National Network Rachel Fuchs provided a one-day workshop focused on ESL/ESOL instruction, including morning sessions on adult learning theory, cultural humility, confidence and motivation, teaching pronunciation and grammar, and giving feedback. The afternoon sessions provided information for administrators and directors on running language programs. In addition to Literacy Outreach for Madison County staff, trainers and administrators from five local libraries with English programs attended. Literacy Coordinator for Cazenovia Public Library and Literacy Outreach for Madison County Carla Zimmerman-Edison shares, “For us, it was nice to be acknowledged as an organization that can bring something top-notch to the community.”

The literacy workshop provided Intercambio with the opportunity to directly hear from English teachers who currently use our materials. Rachel shares, “For me, it was the ultimate honor to be invited to lead the training. The invitation speaks to the reputation we’ve established as providers of high-quality curriculum and training. I also enjoyed the opportunity to connect directly with teachers using our materials. From a national context, our connection is typically with program administrators, not teachers. Connecting with teachers gives us an opportunity to understand the teaching realities faced in the classroom.”

Intercambio continues to explore ways to reach more English learners and expand English language programs across the country. We are honored to be a part of Madison County’s English program success, helping to support all libraries in their association, and are excited to see their growth. Leanne reflects, “It was very exciting to share a condensed version of Intercambio’s successful volunteer teacher training and to hear from teachers in and around Madison County about their experiences with adult English learners. It was also inspiring to see the participants’ enthusiasm as we explored ideas for expanding community-based English programs in the area.”

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