Michelle Matthews: An Asset to Project Light’s Language Programs

Written by Sandy Chase

A retired bookkeeper and manager, Michelle chose to volunteer at Project Light (PL) to help adults learn the English language. Her extensive career, “following” her from Arizona, highlights that she’s been an “asset” to this nonprofit—bolstered by her earlier experience teaching non-English speaking adults in the 1980s.

Fortunately for PL, Michelle gained the required skills and knowledge. Having been trained in the different ways people learn: auditory, reading/writing, kinesthetic (hands-on approach), and visual, she applies that knowledge at PL, individualizing the course so her students can succeed.

Michelle’s students also benefit from her patience, understanding, and encouragement. When asked what they enjoy most about their beginning English class, they agree that her classes are dynamic and friendly, enabling them to learn a new language—gaining confidence—without any fear.

PL Executive Director Elena Farkas affirms the students’ positive comments, saying that she knew immediately that Michelle was the right person: “Her welcoming demeanor, desire to help, patience, and assertiveness are essential qualities for any teacher. More importantly, she wasn’t afraid to teach beginning students.”

Elena emphasizes that Michelle takes a unique approach to preparing and conducting her lessons, considering her students’ strengths and weaknesses:

She devises ways to reach each individual to ensure he/she feels comfortable, engaged, and able to improve. She constantly seeks different ways to arrange materials and activities that will be meaningful for her students of varying levels of English proficiency.

Grateful for all her volunteer educators, Elena says:

Michelle's dedication to her students is unwavering, and her contributions are greatly appreciated. She genuinely cares about students’ success and understands the important role that English plays in their future. The atmosphere in her classroom is both welcoming and focused, striking a balance between comfort and productivity.

How did you find out about Project Light?

I was searching online for a volunteer teaching position focused on literacy when I discovered Project Light. I wanted to give back to my community.

Why did you choose to volunteer at this nonprofit?

My interest in PL came from my earlier challenge of trying to teach non-English speaking adults while I lived in Arizona. I was grateful to have a similar opportunity to help other adults in our community.

I worked one-on-one with an English-speaking adult who graduated from high school because he exceeded the age requirement but was still illiterate. He couldn’t advance to the next level at his job until he could at least read and fill out a few forms. I helped him with those forms and how to fill out a bank check.

I was interested in teaching non-English students at PL because of what I perceived would be a challenge. I liked the idea that PL is a nonprofit, which has been operating for several years.

How did the previous adult literacy program prepare you for your work at PL? 

I was fortunate that they offered a training program, where I became aware that not all people learned the same way as I: primarily, reading/writing. Having that knowledge enabled me to better help my students.

What class(es) are you teaching?

I teach the PL English Beginner class, which commences with students’ learning the alphabet and numbers and teaches them practical vocabulary, such as stating their address, phone number, and email address. The curriculum also teaches students how to describe persons, places, and things.

What challenges/rewards have you experienced at PL?

My biggest challenge is trying to explain instructions for completing the interactive student modules and workbook exercises found in Interchange by Cambridge University Press. I occasionally admit defeat and rely on Google during class to translate multiple languages.

I have experienced immense satisfaction in seeing my students master and retain the vocabulary. My hope is that their lives will become a little easier by what they are learning. I can only imagine how difficult it is to leave their homes, trying to succeed in a new country—with a new language and culture.

How do you help/encourage those students who are struggling? 

I encourage students by praising their efforts. If their pronunciation is incorrect, I nod my head to affirm that their answer is correct. For example, if they say “sweet” instead of “suit” in identifying an article of men’s clothing, I know they understand the English word, but pronunciation is a problem. I repeat the word multiple times stressing the correct pronunciation.

What additional activities do you offer to help students? 

When one of my students told me she needed additional practice with pronouncing certain words, I offered to stay after classes for 15 minutes to help her. Additionally, I showed her apps on her phone that demonstrate how to pronounce a specific word. Another student asked me for help with a job interview, so I showed her an app that would translate sentences from her language into English.

How do you encourage students to help one another?

I call on a student(s) to explain to another student (if they speak a common language). Additionally, I ask whether anyone else has a different answer. I also encourage camaraderie: students praise one another for a new hairstyle or outfit, for example.

What are your students teaching you?

English can be difficult, especially, our grammar rules—even for English speakers. As we progress, I ask about student lives and their home country. I’m amazed that most adults have left their families, and some have left children. They come here—alone—to a new country to start over. What courage!

What are your pastimes? 

My hobby and lifetime passion has always been reading.

How does your career help you at Project Light?

I’m a retired accountant, but during my career, I was also in management positions, which helped me appreciate that everyone learns differently. When one approach doesn’t work, try another. It also helped me to understand that positive feedback is more motivating.

Do you volunteer elsewhere?

My other volunteer position, currently, is teaching a children’s Sunday school class. I prefer teaching adults: it’s far more difficult to keep small children focused and engaged.

What would you like to tell others who are thinking about volunteering at Project Light?

Volunteering at Project Light will provide you with a real sense of accomplishment. It’s a challenge, but if you put your heart and mind into it, you will receive more than you give. These adults have struggled to get to our country. Please help them to have successful lives.

How have staff and other volunteers helped you learn more about PL and its programs? 

Before I began teaching, Elena hosted a training class explaining some of the resources they offer to students. She also discussed some of the challenges of working with people of different cultural and educational backgrounds.

Is there any other PL course(s) that you would like to teach? 

I think it would be very interesting to teach a class to prepare immigrants for their US citizenship test. I’m sure I would find it amazing how much I have forgotten of our country's history, or perhaps never mastered. It would be very fulfilling to help someone obtain citizenship in the US.