For nearly a decade, Tom Halbert has helped adult learners build confidence as they learn English through the Parkway Rockwood Adult Education & Literacy program at Clayton High School. Drawing on his own experience living and working abroad, he understands the challenges newcomers face and strives to make the learning process both patient and encouraging. Halbert says seeing students gain confidence and improve their communication skills is what keeps him coming back.
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Organization: Parkway Rockwood Adult Education & Literacy/ESL
Title: ESL Teacher/ Substitute
Age: 79
Hometown: I grew up in the New York City suburbs, but have lived in St. Louis most of my life.
Education: B.A. Duquesne University–graduate studies. Saint Louis University Russian Language Program; Syracuse University via U.S. Air Force.
Interests / Hobbies: Music, playing guitar, studying Russian, and physical fitness. I’m also a substitute teacher in the Rockwood School District.
What motivated you to get involved in this work/community/activity? I worked in Latin America at one time in my career so I can relate to the challenges of being a resident in a new country. I met my wife while working in Mexico City and I speak the language. I’ve been teaching in this Adult ESL program since 2016. I get a lot of satisfaction from helping people.
What values or principles guide how you show up in this role/community? I know newcomers to this country will benefit emotionally and economically when they are able to communicate in English.
What’s the most enjoyable aspect? Seeing adult students make small but continual improvements in their English. I try to make the process a pleasant one. I’ve even learned to greet them in several different languages. Doing this is a great rapport builder and puts students at ease quickly.
Can you briefly share a few standout memories? A student from DR Congo asked me for help in dealing with a bill he received from a local hospital. He didn’t have the funds and he was quite concerned. I contacted several law firms and community organizations on his behalf and he was able to get it resolved. Another time, a young lady recently arrived from Mexico asked me for help in getting her enrolled in high school. I contacted the local school district, met with the registrar, got all the paperwork needed, and then helped her complete the documents since she knew very little English. She succeeded in getting enrolled.
Can you share an insight about this role that most people don’t know? If you empathize easily with others and have a sincere interest in people from all over the world, you’ll gain a lot of satisfaction in this role.
What’s one key piece of advice you’ve embraced? Be patient and encourage students to set small goals as they continue in their English learning journey.
What’s the greatest challenge? Learning how students learn best: visual, listening, reading/writing. For most students, writing in English is the biggest challenge. For students starting English from scratch, you must have patience.
Where do you find inspiration? Knowing that I’ve helped students improve their communication skills and sometimes receiving a “thank you” for my efforts.
What are your future plans or ambitions? Keep doing what I’m doing. I’d also like to improve my Russian—I was a Russian linguist in the U.S. Air Force—so I have the basics but want to improve my listening comprehension. It’s a tough language!
