Teaching ESL

Teaching English as a Second Language is learning English all over again, from a different point of view. How to reach students? Get into their heads to see what they really understand? I notice different things every night. As students get more comfortable in class, laugh more, make more friends, their relationship with the language changes as well. Students generally group themselves by language, country or culture, but not always. There was the Israeli student, lively and beautiful, who made friends with all the young guys from El Salvador. She spoke some Spanish; they always managed to communicate. She lit up the class with her presence and created a lot of positive energy in the room. There was an older woman who was eccentric in her way, full of personality and life. She also brought so much to the class. I think of the many students I have known through the years and wonder where they are now. Did they continue with their studies? Get married? Have children? Get new jobs? ESL is a gateway through which many new Americans pass. The experience we give them can be one more productive, positive, even elevating use of their time as they work on building a life in a new country. West Valley Occupational Center is a good place to have that experience.

WVOC at the West Hills Fall Fest

Yesterday, West Valley Occupational Center (WVOC) participated in the 5th Annual West Hills Fall Fest sponsored by the Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber of Commerce. The fest was held in the parking lot of a shopping center at Woodlake and Saticoy, and featured many vendors, local organizations, food and music. This year the Fall Fest went Green, including an E-Waste Recycling Center at the event.. It was truly a community celebration. And West Valley, under the leadership of Principal Richard Wormus, is very involved in supporting the community, as well as in getting the word out about our school. Our booth, promoting West Valley's programs and activities, was manned by Principal Richard Wormus, Young Adult Coordinator Rod Pearce and AWEC Coordinator Joe Lauria.

West Valley is the most successful Adult Education Center in the Valley, boasting an enrollment of over 10,000 students in both Academic and Vocational classes. The school has shown outstanding performance in many areas, including, among others, Costmetology, Auto Mechanics, Culinary Arts, and an outstanding ESL program.

For more information on West Valley Occupational Center call (818) 346-3540 or go to www.wvoc.net.

A Great Principal

I am very lucky to work at West Valley Occupational Center for a wonderful principal, Richard Wormus. Mr. Wormus, in the short time he has been at West Valley, has transformed the school. We have had a campus beautification program, resulting in flowers, and seating areas which have made the campus a friendlier place. In addition, Mr. Wormus has seen to it that all rooms have keys, that campus lighting and safety have been increased and that teachers always have someone to walk them to their cars at night. Since he has been at WVOC, we have increased the number and scope of special events, including the annual Job Fair, Health Fair and International Day. There are more classes than ever before and more students coming to the school. The ESL Department is expanding by reputation alone. Mr. Wormus has truly turned the school into a community where staff and faculty want to be involved. Lest you think I have ulterior motives for writing this, I am but a part-time teacher; I work full-time for my husband, take care of my elderly parents and am involved in several other projects. I chose to highlight Mr. Wormus because he truly deserves recognition and acknowledgement as an outstanding principal and leader in Adult Education in the San Fernando Valley. You're invited to come take classes and experience West Valley Occupational Center for yourself!