Illinois Literacy

              Families reading together — it’s a valuable practice and one that I support every year
by sponsoring Family Reading Night. This issue highlights some of the exciting ways
that families read together last November in libraries, schools and literacy projects
across the state. You will see families reading by flashlight in tents, reading with
brothers and sisters, and even reading in Superman costumes. I am impressed with the
many creative ways that communities have come together to instill the love of reading
in families.
In the area of workplace literacy, Herff Jones, Inc., in Champaign has set an exemplary
example of leadership in encouraging success among their employees. The company’s ESL classes have
boosted employee morale and communication, and these employees have taken their new skills back home
and into their communities as well, paving the way for success beyond the workplace. I applaud our work-place
partners for taking the lead in ensuring our workforce remains competitive in our ever-changing econ-omy
and employees have the skills they need to be successful on the job, at home and in their communities.
Jesse White
Secretary of State & State Librarian
The Illinois Literacy newsletter is available at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
Jesse White
Secretary of State
& State Librarian
Herff Jones Cap & Gown Division workplace grant
SPRING
2009
Herff Jones, Inc., Cap & Gown Division, in Champaign manufactures graduation, choir and pulpit
apparel known worldwide for its quality and design. Many of the company’s employees have limited
English-speaking skills. Several years ago Human Resources manager Eun Song Choi contacted
Christine Muehling, Workplace Education coordinator for Urbana Adult Education, about getting
English as a Second Language classes for the employees. Choi knew how talented and dedicated
these employees were and thought the class would help improve their English skills and benefit them
not only on the job but also in other areas of their lives. A Workplace Skills Enhancement Grant pro-posal
was submitted to the Secretary of State Literacy Office and the rest, as they say, is history.
Now in their third year of learning together, the employees have made great strides, both individually
and the ESL group as a whole. Phayvanh Keophamma is an outstanding example of what can happen
when companies are committed to their employees’ continuing education. A native of Laos who want-ed
to make a new life in America, Phayvanh started at the beginning level in the first ESL class. She is
now in her third year of instruction. Due to her hard work and determination, she has made excellent
progress in speaking English. “Her English has improved so much that she has no difficulty expressing
herself in English and feels comfortable in conversations,” said Choi.
The workplace program has made a positive impact on the company as well. Better communication
between employees and supervisors, more confidence in speaking English, and increased morale is a
testament to the company’s commitment to its employees.
ILLINOLIS ITERACY
The ESL class at Herff Jones, Inc., Cap & Gown Division, in Champaign.