Custodians Polish Their English

For the next two hours, on this Tuesday and also on Thursdays, Garcia, 31, will try to learn English. She’ll then get back to her custodial duties at Central New Mexico Community College.

Garcia is one of 14 custodial workers who are allowed a twice weekly, two-hour break to take an English as a Second Language course, at no cost.

CNM decided to offer the free class to its custodial staff after an administrator who runs the ESL program noticed a need.

Classes began in early October and end in December. They include students who tested mostly at the beginning or intermediate level, which means they only know basic words and for the most part cannot read in English.

Mario Rocha, left, works with instructor Terry Toman during an ESL class at CNM on Tuesday. Rocha is one a several custodians taking advantage of the free course offered by CNM.

Garcia, of Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, said she decided to take the class so she would know what students are saying when they talk to her.

“And because I need to learn English,” she said in her native tongue.

She hopes learning English will help her eventually go to college and study photography — and that it will be another way to communicate with her daughter, now barely 2 years old.

The course, held at CNM’s main campus, is not for credit. Students attend still in their custodial uniforms, and they get back to work when it’s over.

The reasons for making the class available are practical, instructor Terry Toman said.

“Number one is safety for them and all students,” Toman said. Having a basic understanding of English means they won’t use the wrong cleaning products or have trouble communicating. “Second of all, I think a lot of these people are totally skilled and ready to move on. But you see, they must have (English) skills.”

CNM hopes the class will open doors for its workers.

“I just think it’s wonderful,” Toman said. “It’s good for the community.”

Toman does not know much Spanish and teaches the class in English, which can at times be a challenge. But she lectures with enthusiasm and self-deprecating humor, and her students, most of whom are middle-aged, are engaged.

Pedro Martinez Rodriguez and Arturo Loera sit in the back corner, often whispering and giggling together. Nonetheless, they are two of the classroom’s most active participants.

When Toman asked for the definition of “prepared,” Martinez Rodriguez, 53, slowly and slightly shyly suggested “it’s like getting ready.”

Gerarda Garcia, front, listens to a lecture during English language class on Tuesday at CNM. The class, offered to custodial staff, began in October and ends in December. CNM administrators have not yet decided whether it will be offered again next semester.

Martinez Rodriguez, of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, wants to find a better job. In Mexico, he was an accountant, and he hopes to one day do that here, too.

Loera, 57, joined the class because he “would love to be able to answer questions” posed to him in English.

But first, the basics.

During class this week, the students looked at road signs and tried to identify them in English. A game of bingo had them trying to read words such as “father” and “cousin,” which Toman recited. If they won, they had to read them back before they got their prize.

The class ends in early December, and CNM is still not sure whether it will continue next semester.

For now, Toman just hopes her students who tested as beginners moved up to intermediate, and those who tested intermediate moved up to advanced.

“What’s my prediction? That they will all have a (one) level gain at minimum, but some will have a two-level gain,” she said.

Gloria Duran, center, discusses her homework with co-worker Jesus Olivas, right, at CNM’s English language class for custodians. The class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays for two hours and is offered free of cost. More than a dozen students attend class during a break from their workday.

— This article appeared on page A1 of the Albuquerque Journal