For 30 years Calvary Baptist Church has been providing free English classes in Knoxville.

Conversational English Classes take place every Wednesday from 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. 

There are four classes to accommodate all skill levels: beginner, beginner two, intermediate, and advanced. 

Conversational English allows more flexibility in curriculum says Gwen Ford, 10-year CEC teacher. 

Lessons can be specially formatted to fit the immediate needs of the students. 

They want to know how to live in this world. To them, that’s more important than accomplishing a certain thing English-wise. Gwen Ford

The beginning students use curriculum to learn the fundamentals, but the advanced classes teach right out of life.

If a student comes in with a more urgent or job-related need, the curriculum can be changed to address that.  

“They can learn as much English as they need to know for that occasion,” Ford says. “They want to know how to live in this world.  To them, that’s more important than accomplishing a certain thing English-wise.”

There are two teachers in each class.  Because Conversational English is less structured than some programs, teachers don’t require as much training. 

No knowledge of foreign languages is needed.  Teachers take a 14 to 16 hour course from the Tennessee Baptist Convention. There are 25 volunteers working, but more are always needed both as teachers and for childcare.   

The classes also hold activities throughout the year.  They had a Thanksgiving dinner where the students were encouraged to bring their whole families. 

The teachers provided the meal and taught about the culture and message behind the holiday.  They also held a square dance and attended the Nativity Pageant.

The goal of the program is to meet the needs of the international students.  Teachers develop relationships with the students.  Ford still corresponds with former students, gives advice and serves as an intermediary for the international students. 

Even if students cannot attend the classes, they can still contact the teacher for help.  The flexibility of the curriculum allows international students to attend whenever they can or ask for personal help.  

“They may drop out of your class, but they may call you a month later with a problem,” Ford says.  “That’s really what we’re all about.”

Childcare is provided during the lessons.  CEC also provides a van pick-up in three locations in the Southern Avenue area. Check out Calvary's Web site for times and places.