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English Language Learners (ELL)/Citizenship

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RONITA AGARWAL

Ronita Agarwal has two consecutive degrees, one in education and another in Adult Education. Ronita is thrilled to be your teacher and her classroom is a supportive and interactive space where everyone is encouraged to participate and feel comfortable. She considers herself to be a facilitator and to be the wind beneath your wings! It is her absolute pleasure to see you ready to fly! Ronita has taught ELL in the Bay Area for the last 25 years.

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KATHY MEASURE

For the past twelve years, Kathy has taught ELL at Acalanes Adult Education at the beginning and intermediate levels. After studying Russian, Italian, French, and Spanish at the University of Washington and receiving her degree, she joined the airline industry. Having traveled to nearly 100 countries and with a career as an international marketing and sales manager for Thai Airways, Air India, Icelandic, and Mexicana, she has also translated and written content for foreign hotel groups, travel books, and tour operators. She has written and taught training courses for the airline and tourism industries, her passion for languages, teaching, and worldwide cultures have all contributed to her enthusiasm for teaching ELL. She understands the trepidation that having to learn a second language can cause when having to survive and work in another country.

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TERRY PAPADOPOULOS

I love being in school, learning different things, teaching adults, and teaching English! I have a B.A. in English, TESL certification, and an M.A. in TESL. I started teaching high school English but transitioned to teaching adult ELLs about 12 years ago. I live in Orinda with mom, my middle sister and her husband, and our dog Olive (a Yorkshire Terrier). I enjoy watching British TV shows, international detective series, The Amazing Race, and most everything on PBS. In my free time, I like to read, travel, and surf the internet. I look forward to working with all of you and helping you improve your English!

Learn English Today!

The English Language Learner (ELL) program offered at Acalanes Adult Education (AAE) provides English learners with listening, speaking, reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. This free program (No Fee Policy) offers ELL levels, ranging from basic literacy to advanced English language development. All levels are available during the day and evening hours.

To begin, students must first take a placement examination, which will allow staff to properly assign students to the appropriate class level.  Students may register for a test session through the AAE website.  Orientation sessions are scheduled for approximately 20 minutes, followed by testing, which may take two-hours.  Registration is required, as walk-ins may not be accommodated.

All ELL orientation and testing sessions are held at the Del Valle Education Center, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek, CA 94595.  Testing will begin immediately at the scheduled time and late entry is not permitted.  Please check our website for updated information.

Acalanes Adult Education has compiled this Community Resource Guide to essential resources for our Guests. When available, there will be a link in the description box to that Community Resource. Guests may wish to contact the Contra Costa County Health and Human Services Department by calling 925-608-4800 Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

ELL Orientation Video

Morning ELL Courses:

  • Literacy (in-person) - Kathy Measure
  • Low Beginning (in-person) - Mansoora Shah-Zaeem
  • High Beginning (in-person) - Gitta Kahangi
  • Low Intermediate (in-person) - Yusuf Alp
  • High Intermediate (in-person) - Michele Carver
  • Advanced (in-person) - Ailsa Steckel
  • Beyond Advanced (in-person) - Ronita Agarwal

Evening ELL Courses:

  • High Beginning (in-person) - Alex Avila
  • Intermediate (in-person) - Martha DaRe
  • Advanced (in-person) - Terry Papadopoulos and Marjan Ladjevardi

Other ELL Courses:

  • Citizenship US History Focus (in-person) - Gitta Kahangi
  • Computer Basics (in-person) - Mansoora Shah-Zaeem
  • ELL Conversation (in-person) - Ailsa Steckel
  • Listening/Speaking (in-person) - Marjan Ladjevardi