ESRA English Tutoring Programs

Can ESRA help? – Ministry of Education

You bet! - ESRA

Israel has many English teachers who are not native English speakers. The Ministry of Education is aware that in some instances, this may pose an oral proficiency problem, since these teachers have little opportunity to use their English in ordinary conversation. Having designated ESRA's English Tutoring Program (ETP) an officially recommended educational aid for improving schoolchildren's English, the Ministry of Education asked ESRA's ETP coordinators if they could now organize something for teachers who need practice speaking. And that's how the Teacher Chat program was born.

Teacher Chat is unique! It is the only volunteer-based program in Israel offering support for English teachers whose mother tongue is not English, were not afraid to admit they needed help, and were happy to apply to receive it.

The program consists of 30-minute weekly Zoom sessions based on the BBC 6-Minute English app, which has hundreds of subjects to choose from. During the chat session, ESRA's tutors model correct language, correcting errors of grammar, vocabulary or pronunciation in a non-judgmental way, with an understanding of the importance of positive, constructive criticism and its contribution to the self-esteem of these hard-working teachers.

Understanding that flexibility is key to successful outcomes, ESRA adapted the Teacher Chat program to accommodate various needs, timetables, and sectors. As the ETP program proudly includes tutors from around the world, it was possible to match up teachers and tutors at hours convenient for everyone. Special requests by religious Arab or Jewish teachers were also accommodated for.

"I am pleased to be in this programme. It's always rewarding to be of assistance, whether to pupils or teachers, and I appreciate exposure to a community in society I have not previously had any contact with." Teacher Chat volunteer tutor

Two Teacher Chat programs have been successfully completed. The first started in the North as a pilot, with 32 tutor-teacher pairs, including seven tutors from abroad. The second was an intensive, twice a week summer program in the South, following a request by Faisel Sawalha, the Ministry's Southern Bedouin Inspector. This consisted of 18 groups, 3 Bedouin teachers per group, for a grand total of 56 teachers.

Feedback has been inspiring. Teachers requested the program resume in the fall, while some volunteers remarked their continued contact with Arab teachers during aggressions with Gaza helped them understand each other and promote coexistence.

Ministry of Education names TEACHER CHAT Project of the Year

Lori Roth, Northern Counsellor and National Coordinator of the Ministry's English program, presented ESRA's Teacher Chat as the Northern Project of the Year at a Ministry of Education event, while Dr. Tziona Levi, the Ministry's National English Language Director, opened her orientation session with a thank you to ESRA volunteers. In the current school year, there are 640 English teachers enrolled in the program and 280 Teacher Chat volunteer tutors.

"The 6 minute English videos are a good springboard for discussions. They are not always culturally on point with the Bedouin culture, but that makes the discussion more interesting".

Teacher Chat volunteer tutor

Much of the program's success can be attributed to Program Coordinator, Rosalind Jacobs, who was in almost daily contact with everyone involved and always on hand to clarify and problem solve. In her report, she acknowledges "the invaluable assistance of Branch Coordinator Suzanne Naimer (Rehovot)", as well Ellen Danino (Beer Sheva), and Mike Shribman (Raanana), bringing in volunteers and offering dedicated assistance throughout the program. She completed her report stating that "none of it would have been possible without the backing and support of ETP National Coordinator, Bernice Meyers, and ESRA CEO, Sunny Marshansky."

The program's impressive success is clear from the urging of all involved for it to continue, and from the Ministry's thanks for raising teacher self-esteem and helping them improve their oral proficiency.

"Thanks to all, we had a great time. Thank you for this amazing chance to talk".

Teacher involved in the Teacher Chat program

If you would like to be part of this inspiring program, be assured that everyone is invited to share their gift of English - guidance is provided. For details, please contact:

Rosalind Jacobs, Teacher Chat Program Coordinator: 054-4932260 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Article by Mimi Tanaman, based on program report by Rosalind Jacobs