The Student Becomes The Teacher

For ESL instructor Norma Vargas, her journey to teaching began as an ESL student. In 1999, Vargas began taking ESL classes with CHRISTUS Learning Center Manager Olga Rojas, who was then teaching at the Houston READ Commission. “Norma already spoke some English and was a fast learner, so she quickly moved onto the higher level.” 

Following completion of her ESL classes, Vargas secured her GED. In 2000, she joined AmeriCorps teaching English and then in 2001 began working for the Houston READ Commission alongside Rojas. In 2018, Rojas and Vargas moved to the newly-launched CHRISTUS Learning Center.

Vargas sees learning English as very different from teaching it. “When I was learning English, my vocabulary was limited. English uses many expressions, idioms and phrasal verbs that are necessary to be understood. As a teacher, I have the responsibility to select what to teach, and relevant subjects are necessary to be a good teacher. I’m constantly looking for expressions, idioms and phrasal verbs that are useful for our students.”

She approaches teaching English from the lens of a non-speaker. “I put myself in my students’ shoes and try my best to meet their needs. I choose the topics to teach according to what they share with me. Many of our learners did not go far in school. Therefore, I adapt my classes to their level.” 

Seeing her student become the teacher is rewarding to Rojas. “Norma excels as an ESL instructor. It’s a great feeling to see her shepherding her students through the process.”