Learning is easier when you have an excellent teacher. 

 Our tutors are caring volunteers who provided quality instruction.  

We use a life skills based curriculum for our students who are studying English as a second language.  For our literacy and math students, we customize a curriculum to fit your needs.  

Classes are private, and in a public location.  We offer classes at a day and time convenient to your schedule.  

 For our English as a Second Language students, we offer a monthly Saturday conversation class, and a monthly Monday evening conversation class in partnership with the Bloomington Public Library.

Both classes are a great way to practice your conversational skills and learn more about our community.

 Andrea is our Literacy Coordinator.   Andrea is the principal grant writer and manages the day to day operations of STAR Literacy.  She has studied and interned in France and traveled to 14 countries.  Most recently she has spent time in Guatemala visiting family.   Andrea has a Master's Degree in Education and is a former university  Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management.  She has spent many years working with international students from all over the world.

 Andrea coordinates curriculum for students in our Adult Basic Education Program as well as those in our English as a Second Language program needing additional assistance. 

Andrea parle français y  también habla español!

Contact: canalesa@roe17.org

Itzel is our ESL Coordinator with a passion for fostering language acquisition. She coordinates and manages all activities concerning the English as a Second Language  (ESL) program of the STAR Adult Literacy Program. She was born and raised in Mexico, has studied in France and has a Bachelor's degree in Foreign Language Translation.  Itzel posseses a global perspective and diverse experiences that enriches her ESL teaching approach to create an inclusive learning enviroment.

Outside of work, Itzel finds joy in exploring new destinations and immersing herself in the intricacies of various cultures worldwide.  Itzel has been living in Bloomington for over a decade.  

Itzel parle français y también habla español!

Contact: ortizi@roe17.org

 Julie is our Volunteer Coordinator.  Julie recruits and manages our growing team of more than 75 active volunteers! Julie collects and reports all of our data to the Secretary of State's office, matches the tutors and students to form a study team, and manages communication to the volunteers.

Julie has more than 15 years experience working on a bilingual teacher grant for Illinois State University.

Contact: meenenj@roe17.org