Los Maestros de Broadview – Broadview Residents Teach ESL to Employees

Grisely Hernandez is learning English. She’s already made good progress thanks to her teachers: Retired residents at Broadview at Purchase College.

The senior living community on the campus of Purchase College is all about lifelong learning. Whether it’s the intergenerational learning taking place between college students and Broadview residents, or the cultural exchange going on in this classroom of new immigrants.

Grisely, who emigrated here from the Dominican Republic, is one of 10 Broadview employees currently learning English in a new English as a Second Language class being taught by Broadview residents. The program provides weekly English lessons for employees in the Food & Beverage and Environmental Services departments, helping them enhance their communication skills, build confidence, and feel more integrated into the community.

Broadview resident Tessie Miquelon, who herself is originally from the Philippines, taught ESL at the College of Staten Island and other schools before retiring to Broadview. Tessie answered the call of the program’s organizer, Alyce Kaufman, who came up with the idea. Kaufman, a retired elementary school teacher, recruited volunteers like Tessie and MJ Karger, who volunteered at a similar program run by her church.

“I was very comfortable with the concept, having done this for my church years ago so when Alyce was looking for volunteers, I jumped at the chance,’’ she said.

On this particular Wednesday afternoon, Tessie was filling in for Alyce. Armed with her iPad and her lesson plan, Tessie was working on the parts of speech with her students.

“We have to identify “los pronombres” (pronouns),’’ she told the group, holding up her iPad for the class to see.

One student, Brenda, said that she appreciated the lessons, but sometimes had a hard time doing her homework.

“When I get home from work, I’m tired, she said in Spanish. “I try to concentrate on my homework, but it’s difficult with so much to do.”

“But, still, I am learning. I have good teachers,” she added in English.

Kate Abate, Director of Community Life & Intergenerational Development, said the class was just one of the many connections that residents are making in their new community, from activities with college students to auditing classes at Purchase College, to volunteering.

The program, she said, is funded by Broadview’s Community Life Department, and is well worth the $500 cost of books and supplies, and a graduation ceremony.

“This modest investment has a significant impact on the sense of community, employee morale, and intergenerational connection at Broadview. The ESL program not only improves the lives of our staff but also strengthens the bonds between residents and employees, ‘’ said Abate.