Adult Education Program

Adult Education Program Mission and Philosophy

The Adult Education program focuses on helping low-income migrants residing in Springfield to improve their English language skills while incorporating life skills. The goal of the program is to help them gain self-sufficiency, better integrate into their community and give them the skills needed to break the cycle of poverty. To accomplish these goals, the Adult Education program uses a three-pronged approach which includes Literacy and Beginner ESOL classes, and the Community Connection Skills Series.

Gray House Adult Education Student working with tutor

Using one-on-one and small group instruction which follow a set curriculum, The Gray House provides students with a safe, encouraging and supportive learning setting. Many of the students never received formal instruction in their native tongue, making the traditional classroom setting very intimidating. Not only are these students learning basic English language skills, but they are also learning how to learn and doing so in a supportive environment and community. Each class has a lead teacher assisted by trained volunteers. The ratio of teachers to students is typically 1:3. During the 2022-2023 Academic Year, 81 adult learners participated.

Students gain the educational skills needed to survive and succeed through this program which offers:

  • Fundamental skills (reading, writing, math, finance, health and computer/digital) instruction
  • Beginner ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes
  • Literacy development
  • Drop-in intermediate level English conversation practice

For more information on the adult education program and student eligibility requirements, contact Education@grayhouse.org

Schedules and Levels

The Gray House offers three 12-week sessions throughout the academic year beginning in September and ending in June. All classes take place at The Gray House in the mornings and afternoons. Please see the academic calendar and weekly class schedule below.

Adult Education 2023-2024 academic calendar    Adult Education 2023-2024 class schedule

Community Connection Skills Series

Each month, The Gray House Adult Education program will host presenters from several community agencies to acquaint the participants with the services they offer, answer questions and provide referrals for continued mentoring, coaching or assistance. The community skills scheduled for the upcoming academic year are:

  • Financial Literacy
  • Legal Aid
  • Employment & Training
  • Health Connections
  • Housing

Volunteering

Volunteers are crucial to the success of this program. On average, 35 individuals volunteer 1.5 - 4 hours a week. Training is required for all volunteers before entering the classroom. If you are interested in being a volunteer, see our volunteer opportunities or contact our Education Director, Isabella at 413-734-6696 ext. 4.

FAQs