dribbble google rss

Resize Text

Zoom in Regular Zoom out

Our Residents

SHA’s new computer instructor brings skills, vision

SHA’s new computer instructor brings skills, vision

Springfield Housing Authority residents, meet Nathan H. Bench.

Bench, 25, is SHA’s new ESOL/computer instructor, working now out of the Deborah Barton Neighborhood Network Center at Sullivan Apartments and soon, at the computer center at Riverview Apartments.

Bench has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, with a minor in business management, from Brigham Young University, and he’s easily able to communicate with Spanish speakers as they work on computer applications on Tuesdays and Thursdays, when he’s at the Barton Center, which is at the Nursery Street complex.

Nathan H. Bench, SHA's new ESOL/computer instructor, heads up a class.

Nathan H. Bench, SHA’s new ESOL/computer instructor, heads up a class.

The day-long program on Tuesdays and Thursdays runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and includes ESOL classes, computer classes, and open labs. All programs are open to SHA residents and non-residents alike, and are free of charge.

And Bench is there throughout, teaching or lending a helping hand.

“I try to use a lot of modern resources like websites for things like language learning and typing skills,” explained Bench. “I think it keeps things interested, and it helps teach people how to use the web to learn new skills.”

Bench is at SHA courtesy of the Resident Services Program, which provides programs and services to families, elders and residents with disabilities.

Resident Services Director Pamela Wells said Bench is a perfect fit for the computer classroom.

“Nathan is a great access to the Resident Services team,” Wells said. “Having computer skills in today’s marketplace is an essential, whether it’s for employment or personal enrichment and information. We’re happy to have him on board.”

Wells said the SHA is hoping to expand the program in the fall to reinstate classes at the Riverview Apartments computer center, pending approval of funding.

At the Barton Center at Sullivan, Bench starts out with ESOL classes in the morning, switches to computer classes in early afternoons, and then to open lab for the rest of the day. He has proven flexible, working with his students to help them put together resumes, fill out job applications, or even work on hobbies such as digital photography scrapbooks and even computer programming, which he admits is a new one for him.

“In my spare time, I’m learning computer programming,” he said with a laugh.

Nathan H. Bench, ESOL/computer instructor.

Nathan H. Bench, ESOL/computer instructor.

Bench, who grew up in Arizona and spent two years as a volunteer in Mexico, said he’s enjoying the work at Sullivan and looks forward to an expansion.

“It’s a lot of fun, and very rewarding,” he said. “I love the motivation of the students, their diversity of experience and age. I really love knowing that I’m making a difference with my students. When you’re teaching computers, you can see the success right away – the light bulb goes off. I love that.”

To join classes or for information, please call 413-785-1563.

The Tuesday-Thursday schedule at the Barton Center is as follows:

  • 10 a.m.-noon, ESOL classes
  • 1-2:30 p.m., computer classes
  • 2:30-4, open lab

 

3907 days ago / Our Residents
Site by 816 New York