ESL/non-profits helping immigrants

While going to college I worked as a file clerk at a human resources office and would cover the reception desk during her lunch hour. There were many, many Spanish immigrants who worked for the company or who would come in hoping to work for the company. They would come in droves for applications, bring their 5 yr old with them to translate. Also, those who worked there needed help understanding their paycheck or medical benefits and would also bring a young child to translate. My heart broke. I've always, always had a soft spot for this group of people, people whether legal or not coming to this country for a better life, something I know I would do for my family, I would do anything to better provide for them, give them an education, and keep them safe. I took Spanish in high school and in college and keep thinking to myself, how can I help to make a difference in their lives, even if just for one person. I decided to go to grad school for ESL. While in the program, there were many teachers in the program already working as an ESL teacher who were drained. In every budget cut, ESL was one of the first things to go, starting first with the programs for them, classroom space then even the teachers, it's cheaper to certify someone teaching already in another subject in ESL and just have them do both. The demands on these students are terrible. I can't do this. I can't. Doing this job I wouldn't be able to help them, I'd be forced to do what the state and district demanded. Many of the teachers I know do things behind the back of the district, picking up students who live drug infested buildings because they are scared to take the bus, take a group of them out to eat on the weekends to talk, get away from their neighborhood for even a few hours, etc.

I want to do my share. I don't know what that would be though. What are my career options? Catholic Charities had a position to help immigrants 2 years ago but I see that they are being forced to drastically cut back on what they can do as well.

I am 3 classes shy of finishing my masters in ESL education. I don't know if I should spend the massive amount of money for those classes (I go to CW Post) only to never use it, or maybe I can use it for other jobs besides teaching, or maybe I can just take what I already have completed and find a job that way. Either way. I just know this is my calling, this is what I am suppose to do with my life, I just don't know where to start.

Re: ESL/non-profits helping immigrants

I know plenty of human service/health care agencies tend to look for case managers who are bilingual.


That may be a route to go.

I think education in general these days is tough, but perhaps you can spin your resume to more human-services related.


I just brought a young client back to the community from a nursing home setting (she was hit by a car) and while she is fluent in English, the family is not.

Not one agency where she has services from here on LI has a Spanish-speaking person of a professional-level that can translate outside of her aide (not a professional).

Your employment options may increase as well if you are willing to make the commute into the city.

ETA: Many case management positions only require a Bachelor's too these days. If you get the Master's though, often your salary will increase. A lot of the stuff you need to do can be learned on the job as well. FM if you have any questions, I can tell you the key things to write on your resume.

Message edited 10/13/2011 5:56:35 AM.