The courage to move to another country, learn another language, and adapt to another culture: at Metro North, most of our adult learners have this courage. 79% of our learners were born outside of the United States. We know that our community benefits from new people and what they bring us, but there is also an incredible benefit for anyone who takes on the challenges of learning a language and culture while living in it, throwing yourself into an experience and allowing that struggle and joy to build your character and stretching your abilities to reach your full potential.

One of Metro North ABE’s newest teachers knows those benefits well. Being born in Barbados and then attending school in New York, Michelle Grosvenor moved to Japan after graduating college. She fell in love with living in a new land. Through her ten-year stay in Japan, Michelle was introduced to teaching English. She began teaching children at an international school but quickly moved to teach adults. After years of teaching at different levels, Michelle knew she wanted to advance her teaching expertise. 

“After much research, I felt that the best way to achieve that was to obtain a Master's of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).” So, Michelle returned to the United States and earned her advanced degree at the New School in New York City.  “The MATESOL program provided me with the teaching skills and the specialized knowledge needed to address the educational needs of English language learners, especially adult learners.” 

While in the program, Michelle had the opportunity to teach immigrant adults. “That was one of the most rewarding teaching experiences I've ever had and it greatly influenced my decision to pursue teaching in the field of ABE/ESL.”

Michelle started teaching at Metro North in June 2021 while all of our classes were online. She had a lot of teaching experience but not much online. “It was a little intimidating to learn all the new technology… I spent a lot of time observing other teachers. The teachers at Metro North are really great. One gave me great advice, ‘keep it simple.’”

Michelle plans to take the same approach when it comes time to teach in person. “I plan to do a lot of observation. Two teachers gave me a bunch of materials I could use. It is great to know there are so many teachers who are so experienced… I’m going to keep getting to know my learners and really focus on getting them to the next level. I feel grateful to have a job I love. I love what I do and, because I love what I do, I give it my all.”

We are so grateful to have Michelle join the team of incredible teachers at Metro North ABE, teachers who get to know learners because they share a deep passion for learning.