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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

  • Marco Bittencourt brings a lifetime of multicultural experience to teaching! April 12, 2023
  • ILI Spotlight: Brian Long, teacher trainer and ILI instructor March 29, 2023
  • Volunteer Spotlight: Emily Soltanoff March 15, 2023
  • 4 Great Reasons Why You Should Learn Spanish in the USA February 22, 2023
  • A guide for beginners on how to learn Spanish February 8, 2023
  • Mayor Honors Past ILI Board President February 1, 2023

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We are honored to be the recipient of the @paradis We are honored to be the recipient of the @paradise_city_arts_festivals silent auction this year during the Memorial Day weekend (May 27-29) at the Hampshire County Fairgrounds. Artists who exhibit and sell their works donate items for the auction. This gives you a chance to take part in the fun of bidding on their great creations while supporting ILI at the same time!

Don’t miss free introductory Spanish classes on Saturday and Sunday, right at the show! We'll be holding three 20-30 minute sessions in the late morning and early afternoon, followed by feedback and suggestions on how to find the ILI language course that’s right for you. Classes are limited to 6-8 people per session, so head to the auction tables when you arrive at the festival and sign up in advance. 

✨Calling all volunteers!
Volunteer with ILI at Paradise City Arts Festival! You get free parking and a free pass into the festival on the day you volunteer. You'll assist ILI staff at the auction tables and booth sit for artists while they take quick lunch and bio-breaks. It's lots of fun, and just think of the wonderful art you'll get to enjoy!

➡️Sign up to volunteer here: https://tinyurl.com/ew76y9ee
Last week the IEP celebrated May Birthdays! We gat Last week the IEP celebrated May Birthdays! We gathered for cake, those being celebrated made wishes, and students sang Happy Birthday in English, Portuguese, Tibetan, Chinese, Turkish, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, & Lao! 🍰

Thanks for creating this video, Jo!

#happybirthday #languagelearning #education #languagelearners #intensiveenglishprogram #northampton #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #ialc
Hurray Aimée! Pictured with her son, CJ, Aimée Hurray Aimée! Pictured with her son, CJ,  Aimée graduated Cum Laude today from @mtholyoke ! Originally from the Congo, it’s been so fun to watch the amazing trajectory of Aimee..from ILI to @gccgreenfield to being selected as a Frances Perkins Scholar and serving on ILI’s Board of Directors and starting @positivelyafricana along the way among numerous other things. We can’t wait to see what she does next! 🎉❤️🎓🚀🌟
Giving Voice 2023 brought together many of the stu Giving Voice 2023 brought together many of the students, staff, alumni, board members, donors, and community of supporters that help make ILI thrive. ⭐️ If you didn’t have a chance to make a donation at the event, but would still like to support ILI, visit ili.edu/donate 💌

Thank you to @artifactcider , @provisionswine , @coopersliquors , and @cafebalagan for providing drinks.

The food at #GivingVoice2023 was from restaurants run by former students or student’s family members! Thank you Pangea Sushi, @_azhar_bakery , @masamexicano , and Mosaic Cafe. 🍱🍰

📸 Photos by Paul Specht
Last night our #GivingVoice2023 student panel feat Last night our #GivingVoice2023 student panel featured Luz Muñoz (Colombia), Canser Bayir (Turkey), and Alina Chirilov (Moldova). The three students are pictured here in the audience before the panel discussion with ILI career and college counselor, Beth Reddish.

Former student Annie Castaño hosted Giving Voice this year and led the panel discussion by asking Luz, Canser, and Alina questions about their experiences. We heard about their backgrounds, what led them to come to the U.S., their experiences since being here, the communities they’ve found and formed, the ways ILI has impacted their lives, and their future goals. We are so grateful to our students for sharing their stories, it was a highlight of the evening! ⭐️

#iligivingvoice2023 #ili #iligivingvoice23 #givingvoice2023 #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #northampton #studentlife #bombyx #studentpanel
A stunning cake made by @_azhar_bakery for #iligiv A stunning cake made by @_azhar_bakery for #iligivingvoice23 🎂
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