“My favorite thing about working here is seeing students succeed,” says Jon Gibbons, a volunteer in B5’s adult English program. He’s had a lot of opportunities to see students succeed as he volunteered in our program daily since May 2025.
Jon has been accepted into the Peace Corps and looks forward to leaving soon to teach English in Kosovo. Being an assistant in Lois Douglass’ beginning level English class is great preparation for that experience. Jon has learned a lot about teaching English from watching Lois.
In the beginning level class, Jon works with individuals and small groups, helping students practice grammar, letter and sound recognition, and more. Recently he worked with one woman on her speaking skills, asking and answering questions in preparation for the level three speaking test. Having Jon’s help in the class allows Lois to continue teaching the larger group.
Part of B5’s vision is to create a sense of community and belonging among their students, helping them feel at home in America. Jon feels he plays a part of that vision. “[In our classes] we have Afghan students greeting their Hispanic colleagues. It transcends language and religion, and it brings people together who wouldn’t normally be brought together,” he says.
Jon will be missed by both Lois and the students when he leaves for the Peace Corps. We wish him well and hope he has many opportunities to apply what he’s learned at B5 in Kosovo. Meanwhile, B5 is looking for more volunteers to fill the hole Jon leaves behind. Maybe one of those people is you!
