This month we highlight our weekly Workplace Literacy classes at Walmart. Anne Cauble, a volunteer, teaches an hour-long English class to about 15 New Mainer employees at the Brunswick location.

The content is often a collaboration between Anne and Terri, the Team Leader. Terri says, “Anne is wonderful. The employees are gaining tremendous knowledge of both language and culture. For example, she taught them about Halloween. When I later took them to stock shelves with Halloween merchandise, we had so much fun. Many of them then took their children trick or treating. She also teaches them the specific Walmart vocabulary, which makes all our jobs easier. The students love her.” Several students said, “I like this class because I learn so much. Anne is a great teacher.” 

Anne’s appreciation for her students is mutual. She says, “Teaching this class is often the highlight of my week. I love the creativity and the dynamic. More importantly, teaching this class gives me the chance to do something concrete to help new Americans feel truly welcome here. 

These students are under a great deal of stress. In addition to worrying about their future legal status, they are just trying to deal with all the normal worries of life, but without the language skills to fully understand what they are being told or adequately communicate their own thoughts and questions to the people around them. So during the hour they are with me I work hard to bring joy and laughter to them — a reprieve from that stress — in addition to giving them practical English for everyday life and their jobs.” 

The class’s success has led to the addition of two more classes beginning this month at the Brunswick Walmart, and has inspired the organization of workplace English classes in other Maine Walmart stores.