December Literacy Leader - Joe Halvorson

After teaching English in China for a year, and really enjoying it, Joe Halvorson came back to Minnesota determined to help with literacy in his community. He is now a two-year volunteer at the Minnesota Literacy Council, tutoring mostly Computer Literacy classes at MLC Learning Center -Lake Street.

Joe understands that the digital world’s peculiar language and culture can be extremely daunting to newcomers. “People who grew up around computers take those skills for granted,” he says. “Using a keyboard and mouse is by no means instinctive – it takes a lot of practice and patience on the part of new learners.” Joe matches this practice and patience every Monday night.

Bailey Craft, ESL Teacher and Evening Volunteer Coordinator at Lake Street, has high praise for Joe’s style of instruction and level of engagement. “Joe is a patient and caring teacher,” she remarks. “He’s super invested in those he teaches, and students comment to me about his clear, accessible teaching style. When unexpected obstacles arise in class, Joe is pragmatic, thoughtful and calm.”

When asked how volunteering with adult literacy has impacted him, Joe cites, for one, an increase in his public-speaking skills. “Communicating complex tasks to beginners is a challenge,” he says. “You have to put yourself in their shoes and figure out the simplest and best explanation.” He also enjoys being “in touch with people from different cultures and backgrounds.”

The best thing about volunteering, though? Seeing progress in action. Although Joe will be leaving at the end of this year – and will be dearly missed by many – his legacy leaves a line of digitally self-empowered people, who now have access to countless opportunities, a giant boon to individual and community alike. “Computer literacy is a 21st century survival skill,” Joe asserts. “If you want to find out about school closures, keep up with events in the community, or stay competitive in the job market it is increasingly necessary to know how to use a computer.”

Thank you, Joe, for sharing and helping to articulate MLC’s vision. Your skill, dedication and compassion are deeply appreciated. You truly are a leader in literacy.

Joe Halvorson attended a MLC training, earned his tutor certificate and started changing people’s lives. He does it for a few hours a week. If you would like to volunteer with adult literacy—or with computer literacy—simply follow the links or email your questions to volunteer@themlc.org.

Bradley Craig, June's Literacy Leader

For the last seven years, Bradley Craig has been tutoring adults at the Grace ABE program in Apple Valley. He began tutoring immigrant adults in English as a Second Language, and last fall he also started tutoring adult GED students in math. During his two volunteer shifts each week, Bradley helps students individually and supplements the licensed classroom teachers’ lessons. When Bradley works with the GED students on math problem-solving, he asks the students to take turns explaining the steps to derive the answers. He finds ways to relate what his students are learning to practical situations or current events.

Bradley and the teachers he works with share a great mutual respect for each other. Bradley writes that “the professionals for whom I work respect my outside experience and relate to me more like a peer than as a helper, so I feel like I’m delivering value to them as well as the students.” The teachers describe “his strong work ethic, loyalty to the students he works with, and willingness to go beyond the volunteer role to make a difference in the lives of students.” One teacher writes that Bradley’s “patience is endless and his calm nature creates a comfortable learning environment. He truly enjoys the subject matter and that enthusiasm has rubbed off on the students. Students he has worked with have shown great improvement and have moved up levels.”

When describing the impact that volunteering has had on him, Bradley says, “I’ve met so many interesting, hard-working people. My eyes have been opened to the richness that immigrants bring to our country. It is rewarding to help people to learn our language and our customs, as well as to help some get a step closer to becoming citizens.”

Bradley’s students wanted to share their appreciation as well. One writes, "Thank you for donating your time to make us better for the future." Another says, “I am happy to study with Brad and appreciate what he does for the school.”

Thanks, Bradley, for the great work you’re doing!