English for Speakers of Other Languages

The ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Department at MCTC is one of Minnesota's largest. It combines a professional staff and a proven curriculum with extensive resources including a computer-based language classroom and the MCTC Learning Center. The Learning Center offers tutoring, study groups, and basic computer skills assistance for ESOL students.

The ESOL Curriculum offers intensive English training in writing, reading, and listening/speaking. These classes help prepare students to be admitted to and to be successful in subsequent college courses. In addition, the Continuing Education and Customized Training program at MCTC arranges ESOL classes for special purposes in the local community.

How can you prepare for your ESOL classes? Writing, reading, and listening/speaking are skills that get better only with practice. Reading is a very good way to begin. It improves your understanding of written English, it makes grammar and usage familiar, and it increases your vocabulary. Develop the habit of reading in English to get a head start in ESOL.

Faculty/staff listing

Name	Office	Phone
Allinder, Dominique	T.5064	612-659-6405
Faculty
Andre, Alicia	T.4063	612-659-6058
Faculty
Bremer, David	T.4062	612-659-6009
Faculty
Brockman, Ann	T.5900	612-659-6000
Faculty		x4026
Burmaster, Mary	T.5900	612-659-6000
		x4499
Chi, Julie	T.5900	612-659-6000
Faculty		x4038
Elias, Laura	T.5063	612-659-6000
Faculty		x4034
Green, Linda	T.5065	612-659-6039
Faculty
Hoover, Jeff	T.5062	612-659-6052
Faculty
Hynick, Karen	T.2320	612-659-6106
Dean
Jakubic, Jennifer	T.5061	612-659-6056
Faculty
Lake, Elizabeth	T.5900	612-659-6000
Faculty		x4498
Lewin, Ellen	T.4064	612-659-6075
Faculty
Mayo, Jolene	T.5900	--
Faculty
McFall, Jan	T.5900	612-659-6000
Faculty		x4024
Mehaffey, Judith	T.3000	612-659-6118
Office & Admin Specialist
Ramerth, Deborah	T.5061	612-659-6020
Faculty
Smith, Garett	T.5066	612-659-6000
Faculty		x4099
Tarrell-Florey, Amy	T.5900	612-659-6000
Faculty		x4108
Voeller, Edward	T.5900	612-659-6000
Faculty		x4040

Frequently asked questions

What do I have to do to enroll in MCTC's ESOL classes?: Once you've filled out your applications for admission and financial aid, you'll take the placement tests to find out what courses you should take. At the Testing Center, you will take tests on your ability to read, write, and listen to English. You will receive the results of your tests a few hours after you take them. If you feel that the test results are not accurate, you can take the tests a second time. Once you have taken the tests the maximum times, you must follow the recommendations of the test. About one-third of the students who take the placement tests do not have to take any ESL courses.

After you finish the placement tests, you will attend orientation and meet with an advisor to find out the specific requirements for your major and the courses you should take this term.

ESL classes usually fill up quickly, so don't wait until the last minute to register! If you do, you may not be able to get the classes that you want. Be sure to check the class schedule and the seats available for in each class.
What should I know about MCTC's ESOL curriculum?: MCTC offers several levels of intensive ESOL courses for students who are serious about improving their academic language abilities. Before you enroll at MCTC, you will take tests for reading, writing, and listening. If your scores are high enough, you will enter transfer-level courses without any ESOL or developmental English courses. If your scores are too low for entry at the college level, you will have to take the courses that your test scores indicate.

ESOL courses are designed for students who do not speak English as their native language.

Developmental courses are designed for any students, including native-English speakers, who need to improve their language or mathematical skills before entering college-transfer courses.