Linda Batton has always been excited about literacy. For over 30 years she has volunteered in multiple capacities and locations, including Thailand, to help others learn English. Batton treasures reading and recognizes the difficulties faced by those unable to read, write, or speak English.

For the past four years, Batton has been a substitute teacher with the St. Vrain Adult Education program, administered by educated and experienced teachers who depend on trained volunteers to help in the crowded classroom. This program is free for people with various educational needs, who live in the St Vrain district and are 18 or older.

Students from many countries, including Laos, China, Mexico, Central America, and Africa are represented. Volunteers need not speak a student's native language in order to be useful. "To see so much diversity in background, ethnicity, and experience in Longmont is wonderful," says Batton. She describes a special moment for her outside class when she saw two students, one from Mexico and the other from Cambodia, using what they now have in common- English- to communicate.

For information about volunteering with St. Vrain Adult Education or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904.