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ILI

The International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI) promotes intercultural understanding and diverse communities by providing high-quality language instruction and teacher training.

You are here: Home / News / The Reciprocity of Language Education: Cultivating Tolerance, Compassion, and Humility

February 2, 2022

The Reciprocity of Language Education: Cultivating Tolerance, Compassion, and Humility

A hand holding a large class marble.“Teachers have three loves: love of learning, love of learners, and the love of bringing the first two loves together.” – Scott Hayden

Intensive English Program Academic Coordinator and ESOL Instructor Chris Elliot loves the “ah-hah” moments, the moments in the classroom when he witnesses students learning something new about culture, language, or the world.  Chris brings over 25 years of experience to student-centered, communicative English instruction at the International Language Institute of Massachusetts. Originally from Binghamton, New York; he has been teaching since 1996 and has been at ILI since 2008. Originally, Chris was drawn to the school due to its social justice values and commitment to educational access for all. Over 10 years later, and ILI still surprises him with how it never rests, always bringing language instruction to so many corners of the Valley.

ILI’s mission is to promote intercultural understanding and diverse communities by providing high-quality language instruction and teacher training. ILI is much more than a language center. The school has a defined Statement of Principles that focus the school’s values and work to actively uphold its mission. Chris believes that the world needs more tolerance, compassion, and humility and that ILI upholds its principles by providing free classes, volunteer opportunities, and scholarships while supporting both students and teachers alike to keep learning and evolving.

Educators have had to pivot and balance in continuous ways over the past two years. In addition to becoming well versedChris Elliott with four of his students. in Google Classroom, Zoom, and apps to teach English online and in person; Chris says that working during the pandemic has opened his mind to new ways to engage students, make lessons relevant, and encourage participation online and in person. As a teacher at ILI, he considers himself in good company. Chris finds inspiration in his colleagues for coming up with improved and creative lessons and cool new teaching techniques, admiring how they strive to stay student-centered and boost student talk time. Anchored by the belief that language education is important because cultural understanding fosters empathy, he also finds the multilingual multitaskers that make up his classrooms inspiring as they balance studying, working, and staying positive. He’s passionate about helping students find their voice in English while also opening their minds to new perspectives. Seeing a student reach their goals such as attending university, getting a job, or speaking English more effectively make him proud.

Whether in or out of the classroom, Chris engages with potential and current students by creating resources and content that aim to help them navigate and progress with their language education and experience. He has written many news items for ILI’s blog that are accessible for free on our website, including:

  • What Is An Intensive English Program: A Complete Guide
  • Intensive English: Top 6 Really Easy Tips and Trips To Enjoy Mastering Your English
  • Academic English vs General English: Should I Improve My Academic English Skills 
  • And many more

Fast Facts: Chris Elliott Trivia

  • Resides in Shutesbury, MA
  • Lover of: cats, coffee, and vegan treats. Loves traveling to waterfalls because the sound and feel of water gives peace ofStudio picture of Chris Elliott mind.
  • Hobbies include: making music, collecting records, and being a cat dad.
  • Currently
    • Reading: science fiction and political commentary
    • Watching: comedy and horror
    • Listening to: vinyl funk, jazz, classical, prog, metal, and rock
  • Quote to live by: “Don’t believe everything you think.”

In addition to being an English teacher, Chris is a singer/songwriter, guitarist, poet, and musician, releasing music and performing around New England as a solo artist Christopher Elliott and in the duo Austin and Elliott. You can find him at www.austinandelliott.com and Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, and Bandcamp.

For more information about learning English with ILI, visit Learn English or email macey@ili.edu .

To support ILI’s mission and to learn more about becoming a donor, visit Donate.

Article by ILI Staff / News

ILI News

  • ILI board member Reynolds Whalen earns “40 under Forty” recognition! May 11, 2022
  • ESL classes: What are the objectives and aims of English language students? April 27, 2022
  • The Terrific Trio April 13, 2022
  • ILI international students visit and learn at the Smith College Museum of Art!  April 13, 2022
  • April is Volunteer Appreciation Month! April 12, 2022
  • How should I prepare for the TESOL certificate program?: Top 6 tips March 30, 2022

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Sending a big THANK YOU to all of the students, co Sending a big THANK YOU to all of the students, community members, teachers, board members, @glformayor , @deansbeanscoffee , @annie_runner13 , Mosaic Cafe, @cafebalagan , Mesa Mexicano, Pangea Sushi, @artifactcider , @provisionswine , State Street Fruit Store, @newcitybrewery , @westcountycider , @thaichilifoodtruck , DJ Coqui, and friends of ILI who spent their Wednesday night with us at Giving Voice 2022. ⭐️ It was a special evening and we loved gathering face to face to celebrate resilience & our school.
Giving Voice 2022 is just getting started! Our a Giving Voice 2022 is just getting started! 

Our after party featuring @thaichilifoodtruck + DJ Coqui is outside of 33 Hawley from 7-8:30pm!
Today is the day! Giving Voice 2022 is here! ✨⭐️ Join us at @nohocenterforthearts at 33 Hawley Street for a celebration of resILIence. Admission is FREE with registration- link in bio.

Don’t miss:
• A panel discussion from past and present ILI students
• A presentation that includes remarks from ILI students, ILI Board Members, Mayor Sciarra, & more.
• Presentation of the Andrea Raphael Award
• Appetizers by Mosaic Cafe, @masamexicano , Pangea Sushi, & our Turkish students! 
• Cash Bar ft. drinks from @newcitybrewery , @artifactcider , State Street Fruit Store, @westcountycider , @provisionswine , & more!
• Coffee from @cafebalagan 
• AFTER PARTY ft. A salsa dance party with DJ Coqui 
• AFTER PARTY Food Truck on site: @thaichilifoodtruck 
• & MORE
Congrats to @alisaamador on winning the 2022 @nprm Congrats to @alisaamador on winning the 2022 @nprmusic #tinydeskcontest ! This photo is from January 28th when Alisa opened for @rachaelandvilray at a benefit concert for ILI! 🎶
What does resILIence mean to you? Giving Voice 20 What does resILIence mean to you?

Giving Voice 2022 is just a couple days away! ⭐️ Join us this Wednesday, May 18th at @nohocenterforthearts for a night celebrating ILI and our community.

Admission is free with registration. 🎟 Register here: https://ili.networkforgood.com/events/42456-giving-voice-2022 

#givingvoice2022 #iligivingvoice #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #northampton #student #education #celebration #resilience
Today @hiroiwatsuki came to ILI to film a video ab Today @hiroiwatsuki came to ILI to film a video about our school and about the city of Northampton for his YouTube channel! 🎥  We are so thankful he took the time to come say hello and to help us spread the word about our wonderful school!

#studentlife #ili #ilinorthampton #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #northampton
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