Written by Sandy Chase
Jose’s mechanical engineering degree, coupled with his engineering and leadership career, has provided him with critical skills that enable him to bring about success in his adult learners. Having learned English as a Second Language (ESOL), Jose knows firsthand some of the challenges that his adult learners face—and overcome.
Born in Chihuahua, Chihuahua Mexico, Jose is a role model, perfecting Spanish and learning English. Project Light and its adult learners are grateful for his teaching style and dedication to the school’s mission: to support the advancement of adult learners through English proficiency, literacy, citizenship, and employment skill development.
Jose received a bilingual education before his El Paso college years, where he spoke only English. He says, “That experience helped me reinforce basic ESOL, which was required as an international student, so I understand my students’ challenges in learning another language.”
George says:
I believe that Mr. Eduardo uses teaching methods that are appropriate for our needs, taking into account that, as adults, learning English is more challenging. He uses theoretical and practical activities that contribute to a good understanding of the material, allowing me to acquire this knowledge in a simple, enjoyable way.
I also believe that the best part of the class is the dynamic activities, where we interact with the instructor and among ourselves, allowing us to evaluate and determine the progress we are making.
Representing other PL learners, Johanny attests to Jose’s methods:
Mr. Saenz Jimenez’s guidance has enabled me to improve my understanding of the main English principles, helping me to achieve better comprehension: spoken, written, and listening. He reinforces knowledge and introduces new skills for learning the English language.
This knowledge has helped me interact with and join a predominantly English-peaking community in the US. Thanks to his classes, I’ve been able to develop professionally and socially, which has opened up opportunities for personal and family growth. We can say that Professor Jose Eduardo is an excellent educator.
Interview with Jose Eduardo Saenz Jumenez
What about Project Light inspired you to contact the organization?
My friend who taught at PL invited me to participate. I always liked the idea of helping my immigrant community. What better way than addressing the most challenging yet important one: the language barrier!
What course do you teach?
I facilitate the English Interchange Beginner class, which includes basic conversations for daily life, such as greetings, asking about the weather, looking for directions, or giving information when asked—all for the purpose of adding information.
What strategies do you use to teach your students?
I use the PPP method (Presentation, Practice, Production) because it delivers the information and adds dynamics to the class. I believe the early stages of English classes require more student engagement. I encourage students to talk and make mistakes. Different activities to reinforce the material learned in class are critical.
I also reward the adults with school calendars and candy, recognizing learners for their hard work by praising them. What helps them zero in on their mistakes is to encourage them to participate in class, making it easier to help them understand the activity or lesson.
How do your students help one another?
In group activities, I’ve been blessed with a participative class that likes to help and motivate one another. They also created a sense of community, and that helps them feel supported.
Each unit has a class project that involves their active participation, something like a “fashion show” where the students have to describe what the model is wearing and what he is doing: “He’s wearing a black suit with a blue tie. He’s walking next to the door. . . . ” These kinds of activities create group participation, creating a class community.”
What are your challenges? Rewards?
My challenge is to keep students at the same pace. Some adults are fast learners, understanding concepts on the first try, whereas other students require more time and repetition.
I accommodate my fast learners by assigning them a bit more extra work without outpacing the class. When I elicit answers, I try to encourage the faster learners to answer with a more complex answer, perhaps helping one another.
I’m rewarded when I see my students realize that they are capable of learning a new language. When they realize that if they put in the effort and time, they will fulfill their goals.
Is Spanish your first language? If so, how did you learn English? Why do you say that you really learned in college? What was your degree?
Yes, Spanish is my first language. I got the opportunity, thanks to my parents, to study in a bilingual school since I attended kindergarten. Learning English outside the US is more complicated than it seems. I think I learned most when I went to college in El Paso, Texas, where English was required.
Since then, I have learned to use the language in a professional environment. For several years I worked as a product engineer at Lear Electrical Corporation, designing the electrical wire harnesses. Then I got the chance to work with GM as a senior engineer at Adient as a new project launch manager.
Do you apply similar objectives/strategies as you experienced for your students?
Yes, the goal for everyone is to have at least basic conversational English for better job opportunities. Most of my students are looking for better work conditions and to feel more accepted in their communities by being able to speak to their neighbors or coworkers.
Lessons are focused on activities: daily, work, and social. I encourage my students to speak English everywhere, including in their homes, even if they make mistakes.
What would you tell others about your students and the PL program?
There’s no greater joy than in giving without expecting anything. Any assistance can change a whole life. Volunteering is selfless: helping others realize their dreams. Working with other PL volunteers, whose only payment is their students’ success, is a life-changing experience that I’ll never forget.
Besides teaching English, I would love to help people learn the beautiful Spanish language. I appreciate it when people try to learn Spanish, as it is the second most spoken language in the world. I think it would be a great tool or highlight on a resume.
