Lee University’s Department of Language and Literature will offer English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to the community through its Center for English Language and Literacy (CELL). Classes will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 3, and conversation classes will begin on Thursday, Feb. 5.    
 
CELL will offer five levels of conversation classes for all levels of learners, ranging from beginners who have little to no prior English instruction to speakers who are advanced in their knowledge of the English language.    
 
Childcare (ages 1 to 6) and English language instruction (ages 7 to 12) will be offered by trained students who will lead English lessons and activities suited for these age groups.    
 
CELL is led by Dr. Chris Blake, professor of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and linguistics and TESOL program coordinator. The English classes are taught by Lee student instructors who have been professionally trained in the TESOL program.    
    
“We are very excited about the upcoming session of classes,” said Blake. “One thing everyone loves about CELL is the amazing community that is formed with people from all over the world as we teach and learn together. It is always wonderful to meet new students and welcome those who are returning.” 
  
There is a $20 fee for each student per semester. English literacy classes, which focus on reading and writing, will be held on Tuesday evenings, and conversation classes will be held on Thursday evenings. All classes will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Walker Memorial Building on Lee’s campus, with signs directing students to the building and room.   
  
Interested community members are encouraged to register in advance on the CELL website at leecell.org.    
 
More information about the program can be found on the website or by contacting Blake at [email protected].