Linda Anderson, Helping Speakers of Other Languages Find Their Way

GREENSBORO, NC (12/01/2010)(readMedia)-- Wearing a stylish, pink, button-down shirt accented by a strand of white pearls, her beautiful silver hair framing her face and worn as a crown of distinction, Linda Anderson is an elegant lady, with the enunciated drawl of a Wellesley graduate, moved south. Her unconventional and exciting approach to life engages people by catching them slightly off guard, and that is exactly what makes Linda Anderson such a fine educator.

In a country built by immigrants, Anderson has spent 23 years helping people find their voice through her work as a teacher of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). Currently employed at the American Hebrew Academy, she acts as the English language lifeline to 20% of the international student body.

Anderson's own story started with a burning desire to make a difference in the world, originally by working with children who had learning differences. Linda graduated from Wellesley College with a Bachelor's Degree in History and received her Master's Degree from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles in Open Education, which focuses on experiential learning.

After moving to Greensboro, Anderson began teaching adult basic education at Greensboro Technical Community College (GTCC). Her position as a volunteer tutor created an opportunity of a lifetime, not only for her, but also for every student she has taught. When GTCC approached Anderson about a "real job," she accepted the challenge of working in the area of ESL adult education. Anderson began her new career with six students the day before Thanksgiving some 23 years ago. "ESOL is for recent immigrants who cannot read or write in English. I was challenged to break down the wall of the standard orthodox styles of teaching, and left an ESL program that now has over 1500 students."

Through her church, Starmount Presbyterian, Linda has been involved with refugee re-settlement since 1991 and has been an impactful advocate for immigrant families. Through the years, she has worked with multiple generations of the same families, teaching parents and grandparents in the morning and working with their children in the afternoon. Throughout her career, Anderson has always believed in the concept of Comprehensible Input: If you need to know something, you will learn it.

"Theory becomes reality at the American Hebrew Academy, "says Anderson. "This school is extraordinarily supportive of teachers and encouraging to the faculty. There is a high level of concern for each student's success." Anderson attains personal satisfaction when she sees her students' light bulbs go off, that "I get it moment." Mundane tasks such as grocery shopping or learning the monumental importance of 911 can become lifesaving for immigrants. It is very important that her students are involved in experiential learning to reinforce the English language. Activities might include class trips around the Greensboro community, fun activities such as scavenger hunts or scenic walks around campus, which aid in learning the basics of English.

The American Hebrew Academy is extremely honored to have Linda Anderson as part of the Academic team. Her creative outlook and perception of teaching are truly outside the ordinary system. "I understand what students give up in order to come to America… I'm happy I am able to make a difference!"

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About the American Hebrew Academy

The American Hebrew Academy, America's premier Jewish pluralistic college prep boarding school serves students from 28 states and 13 countries. The state-of-the-art environment fosters academic achievement and strengthens Jewish identity in a residential setting for motivated and high achieving students in grades nine through twelve. The dual curriculum, along with the aquatics center and sports complex, provides a holistic educational experience-nurturing mind, body, and soul. An internationally acclaimed faculty challenges students to excel in a rigorous program that includes Advanced Placement and Jewish studies courses. At the Academy, values and leadership skills are enriched by the culture, customs, and history of the Jewish people. Students graduate thoroughly prepared for college and ready to make a meaningful impact on the world. For more information about the Academy, please visit www.americanhebrewacademy.org.