Creating Pathways: From CLC Student to CLC Staff

2024 was a big year for CLC students Grisanaldy ("Gris") and Yidan. They graduated from CLC's ESOL Program, and they also completed a teacher training program, Teacher of English for Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), offered by English for New Bostonians. In the fall, they became teachers at the CLC! Gris and Yidan currently co-teach a once-a-week basic English class.

Gris started as a student at CLC in 2016. She was a level 2 English student when she started and worked her way up to level 5 to graduate. “I've always been passionate about helping people grow and succeed," explains Gris. "I decided to become a teacher because I want to support students in their learning journey and give them the tools to achieve their dreams.”  

Yidan began taking classes at the CLC in 2023, right after she moved to the U.S. with her family. "The CLC helped me get settled into Cambridge," explains Yidan. “When I graduated from the CLC, I wanted to help newcomers like me learn English. I love being a teacher at the CLC."

At the CLC, we have been working to create pathways for current students and alumni to work in the field of adult public education. Public adult education programs like the CLC help people learn English, prepare for new careers, and earn academic qualifications. Currently, there are 16 current or former CLC students serving as CLC or Community Engagement Team (CET) staff.

“CLC is special because it is able to offer personalized support to each learner," says Gris. "The staff truly cares about helping students succeed, and the programs are designed to meet individual needs and goals.”  

Gris and Yidan are both continuing their studies. Gris is enrolled in the CLC’s Bridge to College Program. "I decided to become a teacher because I want to support students in their learning journey and give them the tools to achieve their dreams," says Gris.

Yidan recently started a Master’s degree program at UMass Boston. “I want to bring together my past experience as a banker in China and my new experience as teacher in Cambridge, so I can help other adults learn,” says Yidan.

For more information about how the CLC supports students and alumni, visit CLC's website.

Photo: Yidan teaching CLC's weekly basic English class.