Introduction

Challenges related to language-learning for immigrant women often mean they are among the last in their families to learn English. The Springfield Dominican Sisters have opened a new literacy center to meet the language-learning needs of women and we need volunteer tutors to join us.   

Sister Katherine O'Connor and tutor-volunteer Tammy McCormick talk about the new center and the rewards of being in relationship with women passionate about learning English. 

 

About our guests

Sister Katherine O’Connor has more than 50 years’ experience as an educator passionate about meeting people’s needs. She was most recently president of Sacred Heart Griffin High School in Springfield, and after a year of sabbatical, is excited about the new opportunity to open the Springfield Dominican Sisters’ first formal literacy center in Springfield. 

Tammy McCormick, one of the new center’s first volunteers, encountered our sisters at a diversity training program and had her interest piqued by the opportunity to teach English-language learners. Tammy is long-retired from her previous work as a technical trainer.  

 

Our host

Sister Beth Murphy, OP, is the communications director for the Dominican Sisters of Springfield and F.L.O.W.cast producer. 

 

Takeaways

• All you need to be a great tutor is a passion to help and a willingness to learn. 

• Women are often the last in immigrant families to learn English because they are often isolated at home. 

• Classes are taught one-on-one 

• Our sisters taught their first English-language classes in 1879 

 

Resources 

To volunteer as a tutor:  

In Springfield: call or text Sister Katherine O’Connor at 217-415-8377  

In Aurora, Ill.: Email Alison Brezezinski, ESL tutoring coordinator  

In Melrose Park, Ill. Email Sister Judith Curran, OP 

“You sisters figured it out” Delilia Alegria's story about how literacy set her family on the track to success 

Order We are Eagles: Inspiring Stories of Immigrant Women who Took Bold Steps in Life Through Literacy, by Anna Maire Kukec Tomczyk 

Help recruit English language-learning students. Download and print this poster for your church or workplace 

Google translate: don’t let language keep you from communicating. Use a language translation app to talk with your

 

Notes

1301 W. Monroe Street 

Volunteer commitments are Sept-December, January-May 

Citizenship test preparation classes, open to women and men, are planned for some time in the future.