Jackie Westerfeld has been a tutor for the Shawano Literacy Council for several years.
Born in Shawano County, Westerfeld graduated from Pulaski High School. She earned a degree in education for kindergarten through eighth grade from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She continued to take courses while teaching in the Bonduel School District for 30 years.
Westerfeld, who lives on Shawano Lake, retired 19 years ago. She has three children and four grandchildren.
Westerfeld also tutors at St. James Lutheran School, is in a Bible class and belongs to two book clubs. She and two of her daughters perform as the Westerfeld Trio, and sing for entertainment and at funerals and weddings. She used to knit and crochet.
Q How did you get started tutoring?
A “I was searching for something in the teaching field after I retired from teaching. This fit the bill.”
Q What do you do?
A “We instruct in English, spelling, meanings of words, construction of sentences, and citizenship to study to become a citizen.”
Q How often do you tutor?
A “Every Wednesday night from 6 to 8. We can always use more tutors. Right now we’re working on citizenship. We have workbooks. We get them from the Literacy Council. We have been fortunate they have been provided. We have to charge when funds are low.”
Q How do you get funded?
A “We apply for grants.”
Q How long have you been tutoring?
A “I think I’ve been doing it about five years or maybe a little longer. You get close to the students. They become family. We shoot for them to be more prolific in English to help with their jobs, getting along in the community and being able to talk about their health. If I look back I can see the progression. They become more involved in their children’s school. Those that study for citizenship have an end point. Some of them become interpreters.”
Q Why do you volunteer?
A “I was looking for something enjoyable and using my skills. I’m learning from the students. I learn their culture. They’re so generous. Sometimes they bring in food and it’s so delicious.”
Categories
