Tutor Spotlight

Maggie Stadtlander

It is truly wonderful when someone possesses the knowledge and experience to be a great writer, reader and speaker. It is even better when this person shares her gift with others who may be lacking those skills. Maggie Statlander, a basic literacy tutor here at Columbus Literacy Council (CLC), is that person.

Statlander received her master’s degree in English from Columbia University. Although her chosen career wasn’t directly involved with teaching, she felt the need to share her knowledge. She chose CLC because she felt that its services are great for the community. She stresses the need for functional literacy and appreciates the inclusion that CLC offers to those who may not have succeeded in the traditional classroom. She likes the fact that CLC shows people that they can learn when in the past they may have been told that they could not.

CLC offers students instruction in computer literacy, a skill Statlander finds to be very important. The ability to operate a computer is required in many jobs, as well as other everyday life situations. Learning computer skills is definitely a priceless skill that CLC offers, and Statlander is thrilled to be a part of it.

Statlander shared some tactics and advice that she gives to her students. Recognizing that learning to read is difficult, she developed some tricks to make it easier to grasp. She recommended that if it is difficult to translate one’s thoughts into words on paper, the student should ask himself the question, and then answer it to himself. Breaking down the task helps the student to get the words onto the paper. Another way she suggests to hone new skills is to constantly practice! Make notes and lists and read everything you can. The more you use your skills the better you become.

When asked about what she enjoys about volunteering at CLC, she shared many reasons why she finds the experience to be rewarding. She feels that the program betters the city of Columbus, and what a great city it is! Statlander loves working with the students and watching their progress, and finds that students really do appreciate what she does. Here at CLC, tutors benefit almost as much as the students!

Student Spotlight

Nancy Flores

Nancy Flores left Mexico City, along with her father and brother, to have more job opportunities and a better life. Nancy says that even though she had attended high school in Mexico, she realized that learning English was very important to be successful in finding a job in America. She was determined to find the best opportunities for herself, so she began taking classes at CLC to become skilled at reading, writing, and speaking English. The classrooms here at CLC have not only provided her with an atmosphere to learn in, but also to meet different people. "I like meeting different kinds of people from different countries," she says. Because attending classes had such a positive impact on her, she has discovered that she wants to give others the same opportunities that she received by "teaching English to people from other countries". Nancy’s continued attendance in class, hard work, and support of her family is what makes her a successful student at CLC and it's an honor to name her Columbus Literacy Council's newest spotlight student.

Owen P. Evans

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Owen Evans attended grade school through high-school, but throughout his life, he wasn't able to read. Owen says because he knew education was important, he was able to find other ways to understand the words on a piece of paper. It was only after he turned 50 and started having trouble at work that he finally forced himself to do something about his reading. He started coming to CLC in 2005 and his dedication to learning brings him back each week. Owen says he enjoys coming back because the CLC teachers present something new for him to learn each day. "The teachers actually want to teach. They are not just babysitters." At CLC Owen has also found a new love in reading and writing poetry. Because of his continued success and dedication to learning, we are honored to name him Columbus Literacy Council's newest spotlight student.

Teacher Spotlight

Charlotte Johnson M.Ed.

Charlotte Johnson recently joined our staff as a part time instructor. She teaches Basic Literacy and Pre-GED classes in math and science.

"I see myself as unique with diverse interests. I enjoy seeking information, hunting for rocks, finding bargains, harvesting from my garden, and finding the best ways to do things including the best ways to teach. My horoscope sign is the hunter; so, I manage to be true to my sign.

My formal education includes a degree in Home Economics, Foods and Nutrition feeding my science interests, Special Education, Learning Disabilities, feeding my need for a challenge and my favorite interest; the brain, and Doctorate work in Adult Education, feeding my pioneering of the LD Adult field.

I have been a national leader in the LD Adult movement since the 1980's. I served on the ACLD state and national boards and frequently spoke at conferences, published, and formed self-help groups. I have training under some influential people in the "learning different" fields including Dr. Sam Clements, of the Little Rock Child Study Center, Dr. Kauffman of the K-ABC intelligence testing, and Dale Jordon, LD Adult author and guru . Recently, I trained in PowerPath under Dr. Laura Wiesel and graduated from the John Glenn L2000 Leadership Academy at OSU. I am writing a change process curriculum and am a phone coach specializing in ADHD life issues.

My teaching style is what ever works. However, being a tactile/ kinesthetic learner (unique for a teacher), I include instruction in this style. Some of what I do may seem odd. I seek out better ways to reach, teach and empower."