Updates

We are thrilled to share some exciting developments in the English program at the Mission School. Over the past two years, we’ve seen steady progress, thanks to several key improvements. First, we’ve added two additional teachers to the English department, which has allowed us to reduce class sizes from 40 students to a more manageable 28-32 students per class. This change has made a significant difference in the learning experience, enabling more individual attention and fostering a more interactive classroom environment.

This year, thanks to your generosity, we were able to buy headsets for the English department so that students could practice listening and speaking skills through the online portion of their curriculum.

Additionally, the internationally recognized curriculum we implemented two years ago continues to prove highly effective. Guided by our professional English teacher trainer, who leads regular workshops, assists with lesson planning, and observes live classes to provide feedback, our teachers have grown in their practice and skillset. This ongoing professional development has had a visible impact on the overall “English culture” at the Mission School. Most notably, we are seeing our students speak English more confidently and naturally!

In the past, it was rare to hear students conversing with us in English during visits or meetings. But now, when Jim or I walk onto the school grounds, we’re immediately greeted with enthusiastic “Hello”s, “Good morning”s, and even “How are you?”s. While these conversations may still be short and simple, it’s a remarkable and positive shift that we are so excited about.

This week, I had the pleasure of visiting Profe Melissa’s 6th-grade class as she led a lesson on hobbies and extracurricular activities. The students were fully engaged, eagerly discussing their weekend hobbies with one another and sharing why they enjoy them. The lesson concluded with a creative homework assignment: students were asked to create posters about their hobbies, practicing both speaking and writing skills. The entire class was lively, interactive, and the students were thrilled to show off their English skills to a guest!

At the Mission School, our English Language Department plays a central role in preparing students for success in an increasingly interconnected world. In Ecuador, where English proficiency is vital for both professional and educational advancement, mastering the language opens doors to countless opportunities. Whether it’s securing a job with an international company, pursuing higher education, or accessing online resources, English has become a key tool for success. Our dedicated teachers provide a dynamic, engaging curriculum that not only promotes fluency but also nurtures critical thinking, communication, and cultural awareness—skills that will empower our students in their future careers and studies. At the Mission School, we believe that learning English is more than just acquiring a language; it’s about providing students with the tools to create a brighter, more promising future.