We are excited to introduce a new foundation program that began this summer, under the guidance of John Lynch, VP Employee Programs. A TESL teacher was hired and began teaching a class in late August. Her name is Simone Meiseles and she is amazing!

After meeting Simone, it’s no surprise that her students are not only enjoying learning English but are actually asking of the possibility that this course be continued into the following semester. The foundation is presently exploring the possibility of extending/creating an intermediate TESL class for the spring semester.

Currently Simone is teaching the food and beverage and housekeeping staffs. This course began August 25 and finishes December 29. Students are so enthusiastic about learning that some are coming to class on their day off!

One student shared how proud she is that when she began at Mariner Sands, she was working in the back kitchen. In November, as a result of her newly acquired language skills, she was moved to the buffet line at twilight golf! She was beaming with pride.

These skills the employees are learning are life changing. They go home and share with family members what they learned in class that day.

Simone begins teaching a new group of students in January. This pool of students will come from the golf and landscaping employees. This course begins January 2 and ends May 5.

We will keep you updated with progress with this program.