It’s not a problem for her if they speak Spanish, Hebrew, Russian or any language for that matter; Barbara Eisner of Springfield loves to spend time with them. They chat, read together, and even do crossword puzzles.
No – Eisner isn’t fluent in a multitude of languages. She’s a volunteer ESL (English as a second language) tutor for Literacy Volunteers of Union County. For the past eight years the retired pharmacist has met weekly with adult students learning to read, write and speak English.
“I love the interaction with my students,” said Eisner. “I’ve formed a bond with each of them!”
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Eisner currently meets weekly with a Russian speaking couple - Emil and Galina Tsoy of Springfield. They came to the United States one year ago from Kazakhstan.
“It’s been over 60 years since they studied some English at school,” said Eisner of Emil, 72 and Galina, 67. “How brave of them to learn a new language at this point in their lives!”
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Their weekly sessions at the library include work on vocabulary, grammar, word usage, reading and conversation. Amid all the lessons shine lots of smiles and laughter.
“I have family who were immigrants so I think I have a good understanding of the immigrant experience,” said Eisner. “I think that’s helped me as an ESL tutor.”
“She helps us so much,” said Galina Tsoy of Eisner. “She is very kind.”
Born in Newark and raised in Perth Amboy, Eisner’s interest in science led her to study pharmacy at Temple University. The mother of two and grandmother of two worked as a pharmacist for Middlesex County in their long-term care facility for 25 years. When she retired in 1999, she still continued to work one day a week for six years.
It was in 2005 that Eisner saw an article about the Literacy Volunteers training program. “I had the time at that point and was looking for a one-on-one volunteer opportunity,” she said. “You can really make a difference and it’s not just sitting on a committee and talking.”
Literacy Volunteers trains, supervises and supports more than 200 volunteers who work one-on-one and in groups throughout the county with adults in the Basic Skills, ESL, GED Test Prep and Citizenship Programs.
Eisner’s first two students were working towards becoming citizens. Eisner helped them prepare for the citizenship test. “They had proficiency in English – it was all about preparing them for the test.”
It’s when Eisner worked with her next student, Eti that she was struck by the tremendous power of learning to read and write. “Eti spoke Hebrew. In working with her and helping her learn English, I saw her confidence soar.”
Eisner encouraged Eti to write for “Connections,” the organization’s student art and literary magazine. With a lot of encouragement from Eisner she even read her piece in front of more than 100 people at the Literacy Volunteers’ Magazine Roll-Out event.
“She found her voice. She was truly empowered. I could see that this program really changed her life!” exclaimed Eisner.
Eisner describes all her students as educated and eager students. “They are a pleasure to work with,” she said.
“People do volunteer work for many reasons,” said Eisner. “To stick with it, you’ve got to be getting something out of it yourself. I find this tremendously rewarding.”
An avid bridge player, Eisner loves activities that are mentally challenging. She plays twice a week and recently became a “Life Master” in bridge. She and her husband Jerry also enjoy travel, theatre and concerts. “We have a nice life. It’s good to give back.”
Literacy Volunteers of Union County is currently accepting registrations for its upcoming Tutor Training Class which begins September 23. The 15-hour volunteer training will be held on Sept. 23, 25, 30, Oct. 2, 7, and 9, 6:30-9 p.m., at the Springfield Public Library, 66 Mountain Ave. in Springfield. Registration is limited and pre-registration is required. Call for information 908/486-1777.
