English Language Learning

About English Language Learning Ι 732-357-0590 Ι info@interfaithrise.org

I-RISE English language instruction includes: in-person and online individualized tutoring and in-person and online English classes for pre-literate to low intermediate English students.  We have a mixed level conversation class and an English for Work class that meet in person.  All online classes online are synchronous and done through Zoom.  Online classes focus on English reading literacy and basic vocabulary.  Students who are too far away to come to onsite classes will either be referred to our online English instruction or they may be referred to a community partner organization.  Students may be eligible for a volunteer tutor.  The ELL resource coordinators assess the client’s English level during the intake and suggest next steps for the client’s English language learning.

Eligibility:  You MUST be an established I-RISE client before you can utilize the ELL program.  Please call 732-357-0590 or email info@interfaithrise.org

What to Expect

Welcome to the I-RISE English Language Learning (ELL) program.  We look forward to helping you learn English.  Here are the steps you need to take:

1. Complete an IRISE intake –  After you have been assigned a case worker and completed a general intake, your case worker will sign you up for an English language assessment, if needed.**  (If you don’t have an I-RISE case worker, please call 732-357-0590)
2. Come and take the English assessment –  Come for the English Language assessment in person if possible.  If not possible, online assessments can also be arranged.  Speak with your caseworker about this.
3. Learn about your options –  After you take the assessment, the English Language department will discuss possible English learning opportunities with you.  The department will recommend a course for you or refer you to other English learning courses in your community.
4. Take action –  It is your responsibility to follow up with the recommendations.
5. Check and read your email –  This is how the IRISE English department will communicate with you.

**Please note that I-RISE services focus on pre-literate, beginner and low intermediate English learners, giving them skills to communicate in everyday English.  Advanced English learners and those wishing to practice academic English are better served by community college programs.

ELL Volunteer Tutors 

Do you know someone who might be interested in being a volunteer tutor for our English Language Learning program (or are you a supporter who has interest)?  The English Language department at Interfaith-RISE is looking for volunteer tutors to help newly arrived immigrant and refugee adults learn and practice English.  Volunteer tutors are asked to commit to serving 1 – 3 hours a week and can be matched with an individual student or a small group of students depending on the tutor’s preference. Volunteers can tutor online or in person.

To fill out an interest inventory regarding English language tutoring click on this link: ELL Volunteer Tutor Interest Form and also visit our Volunteer page to find out more about volunteering for Interfaith-RISE.

Supplemental Resources

While we do our best at I-RISE to accommodate as many clients as possible, we sometimes have a waiting list for our ELL courses.  Clients who would like to get a head start on learning English should check out the following resources.  PLEASE NOTE:  These resources have not been vetted, so do check them thoroughly to make sure they are appropriate for your individual needs and circumstances.

Community Colleges

County College of Morris – tuition required

Union College of Union County – tuition required, but possible grants available

Middlesex County College – call to find out if they are currently offering courses

Mercer County Community College – tuition required for non-credit courses

Raritan Valley Community College – tuition required

Hudson County Community College – tuition required, but online classes are available

Cape May County Technical School – FREE in-person and online classes

Public Libraries

New Jersey Library Directory – state-wide listing of libraries

Literacy Volunteers of Camden County – FREE one-on-one and small group tutoring for Camden county residents

Literacy Volunteers of Morris County – FREE tutoring, but must live or work in Morris county

Tarjimly Translator Mobile App – Helpful until new arrival becomes fluent in English

When a refugee, asylum seeker, or humanitarian worker requests a translator for a particular language, Tarjimly’s machine learning matching algorithm selects the best translator available from their community of 24,000+ people. This person is then connected in a live chat with the person in need, where they can send text, photos, or start a phone conversation.  Click on this link for more information:  https://tarjim.ly/en