Temple Shalom Education Initiative

ESL@TSD

(English as a Second Language @Temple Shalom Dallas)

Partner organization: Refugee Services of Texas

Our member-tutors told us what is like to be an ESL Tutor:

What is it like to work with refugees?… It is very rewarding to be a part of these refugees’ stories. They are here for a better life and learning English is a huge hurdle. Nothing makes me happier than to see the light bulb go off or for them to finally have the confidence to speak or ask a question. I see improvement weekly and feel like what we are doing has a great impact on their lives.

What do I need to be a good tutor?… I have never been a teacher but I am learning on the job. I realize whatever I can teach them is more than they have now as far as language. All you need is a good lesson plan handed to you and the desire to help others. Patience and a sense of humor helps too. Just being there every week shows them we care and want to help.

Classes are ongoing! Please send an email to esl@templehalomdallas.org for details and to sign up! We work virtually with refugee students using an online curriculum, with a great group of volunteer teachers! Join us in this effort to help make a difference in the lives of families new to America, and reaching for their dreams! To volunteer with Refugee Services of Texas directly, or to learn about other opportunities, go to this link:

Education Initiative Resources

Our Temple Shalom Education Initiative is concerned with education throughout the lifespan. We seek to address barriers to education, as well as the supports necessary to encourage a lifetime of learning for all ages. Check out these resources on education, and look for opportunities to learn and participate!

Early Childhood – High School

First3Years the Infant Mental Health Association of Texas addresses teacher education regarding infant and toddler mental health.

Reading Partners addresses reading intervention for K-6th graders in DISD.

Communities in Schools, Dallas Region or North Texas Communities In Schools provides behavioral and academic support to students K-12. School Years:

JCRC Early Childhood Education Initiative: JCRC Education Initiative Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas

Adult Education That Improves Communities & Families

Relationships First: Good communication at every level of our lives is the foundation for emotional safety, and a lifetime of learning. “It’s the quality of our relationships that determine the quality of society. How we interact with each other in our families, schools, workplaces and communities provides the key to our emotional, physical and economic well-being – and the stability of the society in which we live.” Safe Conversations is taught through Relationships First workshops and events.

Other, personal Lifelong learning resources: National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes at Northwestern University http://nrc.northwestern.edu/2016/08/olli-resources/.

And, of course, Lifelong Jewish Learning through the Melton School. https://www.meltonschool.org/

For learning resources during the pandemic, check out our Learning @ Home page:

Interested in a learning journey? Check out our JEWEL Learning page here at Temple Shalom!