TEX (Teaching English with Excellence) Training

Our TEX program, prepares volunteers to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in a faith-based setting. Through our network of TEX trainers and TEX-trained teachers, we reach approximately 15,000 adult students each week during the school year.

 These classes provide immigrants, refugees, and other internationals, the opportunity to learn English and form friendships. We also have training and support available for adult literacy education–including high school equivalency preparation and tutoring–and for teaching adults to read using the Bible.

TEX prepares volunteers who have not had formal training or experience and do not speak the language(s) of their students, to teach English to international adults. The main criterion for prospective teachers is a willingness to be trained to help foreign-language speakers in the name of Jesus Christ.

Trainings typically occur all day Saturday and provide participants with a wealth of information, resources, and ongoing support. Check our Events for upcoming training opportunities. They occur in various locations across the state in January, and again in August and September.

It is a goal of Literacy Connexus to help people understand and appreciate the richness that diversity brings to Texas, and to see every person as an opportunity to show the love of Christ. ESL ministry often provides a natural setting for this to happen.

Every ESL ministry is unique; programs include a spectrum of classes including language, citizenship, computer, crafts, and family activities. Many ministries include youth tutoring and programs for children. They are held at churches, schools, and community centers, and they meet at various times and days of the week.

Literacy Connexus offers a checklist for starting an ESL ministry. This 20-step checklist is intended to help churches develop their individual programs. For additional information, contact karen@literacyconnexus.org.

Also, check the Newsletter and Events for regional and state ESL conferences held periodically to provide additional training to experienced ESL teachers and directors.

Refer to the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL) for a directory of literacy providers throughout Texas for existing ESL programs.

Contact Lester Meriwether, Executive Director, for more information: lester@literacyconnexus.org.