Page 32 - BusinessWest October 17, 2022
P. 32

 an amazing curriculum online. Online teaching is another revenue stream, which is important for a nonprofit, but I really didn’t want to do it that way.”
But while much of the live instruction has returned to New South Street in Northampton, remote learning will remain part of the plan going forward, which allows ILI to reach students anywhere.
“We’ve all put in extra time because we all believe in this mission of promoting intercultural understanding and diverse communities through high-quality language and teacher training.”
With nine full-time and 23 part-time instruc- tors and staff at the moment, Gear said, “we’ve
all put in extra time because we all believe in this mission of promoting intercultural understanding and diverse communities through high-quality language and teacher training.”
An Idea Takes Root
In 1984, Alexis Johnson was a language teacher without a job. But she didn’t lack for vision or passion. So she and another teacher, Janice Rog- ers, decided to open a language school, one that would meet the needs of myriad clientele, from
local non-English speakers aiming to improve their workplace communication to student visa holders preparing for college stateside, to Ameri- cans skilled in other languages seeking training to become teachers overseas.
After decades of growth that affirmed her initial vision, Johnson stepped down from the executive director’s chair in 2015 after 31 years, handing the reins to Gear, who has been at the institute since the mid-’80s.
Perhaps the most well-known of ILI’s programs is its World Language program, which teaches a number of languages to students with a variety
of goals. Some have a son or daughter marrying someone from another country. Others want to
From left, Macey Faiella, director
of English Programs; Heather Hall, office manager; Caroline Gear, executive director; and Samira Artur, instructor and program coordinator.
boost their communication skills on the job in an increasingly multi-cultural world. Still others want to advance on the job.
Another popular option is the Free English program, a partially grant-funded initiative that provides free classes for immigrants and refugees looking to improve their English skills for work, college, and their daily lives. English classes meet two evenings a week for a total of six hours.
On the flip side is the Intensive English pro- gram, which offers an immersive education for international students, with 21 hours of instruc- tion weekly.
“Maybe their company sends them here, or maybe they know their ability to get a job is
        MOVE MORE SIT LESS
Guidance from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services recommends a healthy lifestyle of 30 – 60 minutes of exercise a day and 2 days of weight lifting to attain the most benefits from physical activity.
At Healthtrax our experienced team can help you get started on your way to physical fit- ness and wellbeing. It’s never been a better time than now to take care of your health.
MOVE MORE, sit less.
  Visit HEALTHTRAX.COM OR CALL 800-505-5000 FOLLOW US
    32 OCTOBER 17, 2022
EDUCATION
BusinessWest










































































   30   31   32   33   34