One of the programs at Reston Regional Library includes One-to-one English Conversation classes. These classes are a part of their Learning English program. The purpose of these classes is to learn English as a Second Language (ESL). However, according to Ivanka Atanasova, retired Library Information Assistant at Reston Regional Library, ultimately these lessons rendered much more and will continue to do so. She had been charged with coordinating the ESL classes.
English as a Second Language (ESL) students and a volunteer hold a retirement party for Ivanka Atanasova, Library Information Assistant at Reston Regional Library.
As per Reston Connection, "According to Ha Hoang, Assistant Branch Manager Reston Regional Library, Atanasova also worked closely with the volunteer ESL instructors. Under her direction, the program grew. "There were a few one-to-one conversational sessions ten years ago," said Atanasova. “I created the first conversational ESL class with a handful of students ...Today the program serves approximately 350 English as a Second Language (ESL) learners each month and has 30 instructors," she said."
Atanasova said that what makes the Reston Library program special is that in addition to learning English, the ESL classes foster community, integration and professional growth, benefits echoed by the students and their teachers.
Robert Muzzio’s ESL class at Reston Regional Library.
According to Reston Connection, "Teacher Robert Muzzio is reportedly one of the longest-serving volunteers at the ESL program. Muzzio said, "People of all backgrounds and cultures meet, interact socially and make new, and in some cases, lasting friendships. Ivanka [Atanasova] has created an enormously successful program which is benefiting all participants and the community at large."
Maryam N. is a Senior Writer at Nesbitt Realty. She is an expert on Fairfax County. Maryam has also worked previously as a geologist. She is a foodie and enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants.
