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Hello!
My name is Sarah. If we haven't met already, it's nice to virtually meet you.
I'm the teacher and coach behind Birdhouse Learning Studio, and my accent is of the North American variety.
My introduction to Adult Education, Adult Literacy initiatives, and ESL / ELL happened in 2016 through a professional connection. In 2017, I began volunteering with a literacy organization where I learned more about ESL and adult learning needs, locally and across the country. Approximately one year later, I began working directly within Adult Education, initially with imprisoned learners.
Since then, I have worked with teen and adult learners through online and in-person classes via the technical college system, nonprofit organizations, freelance contracts, and individual tutoring. I can be found teaching group classes on campus during the school year.
I bring my enthusiastic nature, as well as my passion for helping others, facilitating creative learning environments, and sparking curiosity, to everything I do. Continually learning and helping others do the same brings me joy in and out of the classroom.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign or Second Language.
Reading has shaped who I am, personally and professionally.
If you have a great book recommendation, feel free to send a message. I would love to hear from you.
"Books are a uniquely portable magic.”
~ Stephen King (from On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft)
Volunteering is a big part of my life, and I have found my time spent with the organizations listed below especially enjoyable.
To English-Language Learners: Volunteering can be a wonderful way to practice the language and improve fluency. Generally, volunteer environments are filled with patient, generous people who want to help others. If you are interested in service and giving back to your community while improving your English, you may consider contributing your time and skills as well.
Intermediate - Advanced
Choose from a variety of in-person or virtual roles to support their mission. Time commitment varies per role.
Volunteering with the American Red Cross could be a great way to practice English with native speakers and to expand your cultural awareness. The ARC may also provide opportunities for using your native language to help others during a crisis.
Intermediate - Advanced
Spend at least one hour per week as a virtual English-speaking partner with an English-language learner in Ukraine.
Volunteering with ENGin could provide a wonderful opportunity to practice English with someone who also needs practice, as well as to expand cultural awareness & global understanding.
If the options listed above do not interest you, consider researching organizations in your area, such as parks, museums, schools, food banks, faith-based organizations, or other nonprofits, and reaching out with an offer to help. You can also find a variety of volunteer needs by location and/or by interest on Idealist.
Volunteering comes with more benefits than simply improving English fluency.
For more information and motivation, check out the articles below.
Helping people, changing lives: 3 health benefits of volunteering
Sarah Elizabeth Gowder
"The purpose of living a fulfilled life is touching humans you never actually meet."
~ Dr. Mindy Pelz
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