Our Staff & Board
Erin Sebelius
ESOL Program Director
esol@lit-together.org
Erin, a lover of languages and cultural exchange, believes she has the perfect job.
“Helping immigrants communicate in the language of their new home is especially rewarding because of the empowerment that comes for them,” Erin says. “It’s thrilling every time I hear that one of our ESOL students has gotten a promotion, found a better job, or been able to help a child with homework.”
Erin lists some pretty impressive credentials for managing the Literacy Together’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. She earned a B.A. in German from San Diego State University, a master’s degree in cross-cultural education from National University in San Diego, and a California teaching certificate, and holds TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification as well. She has taught English, German, and Spanish to middle and high school students and ESOL to adults, both in the US and in Mexico, and taught English to international students at Warren Wilson College for four years. Erin is a ProLiteracy certified trainer, past president of the Asheville Area Director of Volunteers in Agencies (DOVIA), and former member of the executive board of Carolina Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
Working at Literacy Together since 2005, Erin conducts all ESOL tutor trainings and oversees all ESOL tutor volunteer activities. She remarks, “Our volunteer tutors are folks who care enough to give freely of their time, talents, and love. I am continually humbled and inspired by both our students and our volunteers!”
A recent empty-nester (her youngest child goes to Warren Wilson), Erin spends her free time hiking, backpacking, reading, and traveling. A recent three-month sabbatical in Mexico was one of the highlights of her life!