Workforce Essentials English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes

Ever wanted to learn English as a second language? You’re in the right place! Workforce Essentials offers individualized English as a Second Language (ESL) classes throughout Tennessee. We conveniently offer morning, evening, and even online classes completely free of charge for our students. Learn English at your own pace to build the speaking, reading, and writing skills you need to achieve your personal goals. 

No matter your native language, you can learn English with individualized ESL classes at Workforce Essentials. Or, if you already know some English but want to improve your reading, writing, and speaking skills, you can also join a class to increase your English language proficiency. We designed our classes to cater to everyone at every level. 

Before your first class, we ask you what your future goals are, whether a new job, technical school, community college, or something else. Then, we tailor your learning program to put you on the right path for your goals. Once you’ve mastered your English skills, our knowledgeable staff at Workforce Essentials will guide you toward your next steps for personal success.

ESL Class FAQ

What will I be learning?

We teach students life-skills-based English in order to confidently communicate with colleagues, workmates, and everyday English speakers. You will learn skills to navigate transportation, communicate with doctors, and more. 

Classes teach English skills for: 

  • Reading 
  • Writing 
  • Listening 
  • Speaking 
  • Grammar 
  • Vocabulary 
  • Soft Skills 
  • Civics

How do your ESL classes work?

We offer interactive ESL lessons from Level 1 to Level 6. At the end of orientation, you will take a pre-class assessment on reading and an assessment on writing to determine which level is best for you. At each level, we offer classes in the morning, evening, and online. Check with the county you live in to see what schedules are available for you. 

How long will this program take me to finish?

That depends on your current English skills! We teach English classes from Level 1 to Level 6, and we require at least forty hours for each level before you can take a post-class assessment. Forty hours of class time equals about three to five months. After the post-class assessment, we determine if you’re ready to progress to the next level. 

Why should I learn English as a second language? 

Only about 20% of people in the US speak a second language fluently. So by learning English,

you automatically put yourself ahead of the 80% of people in the US who don’t speak a second language. Plus, between 2010 to 2015, the demand for bilingual jobs more than doubled from 240,000 listings to 630,000 listings. In addition to more job opportunities, people who speak more than one language earn 5% to 20% more on average than those who don’t. 

  • Open more job opportunities with bilingual skills 
  • Earn on average 10% more than people who speak one language 
  • Take the next steps towards your goals in an English speaking environment

How do I sign up for classes?

Fill out our adult education online form to sign up for an orientation at the location nearest you. We hold orientations several times a year in each of our thirteen counties.