A conversation with Ali Teague

Meet Ali

Get to know The Literacy Project’s newest ESL Teacher and Down Vailley Program Coordinator

Ali Teague, the newest addition to The Literacy Project team, is dedicated to connecting down valley learners with the tools, resources and volunteers they need to help acquire literacy skills that will equip them to live better lives. Ali joined The Literacy Project just a few weeks ago, at the onset of the stay at home orders. Although she hasn’t been able to personally meet many of our learners and volunteers, she has quickly jumped into the role and smoothly transitioned down valley programs to online learning. Below, she shares about her background and vision for her role.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born and raised in the Vail Valley; I graduated from Battle Mountain in 2014. Then I went to the University of Colorado Boulder where I studied Psychology, Neuroscience, and Spanish, and graduated in 2018. I moved back home and immediately began working at the Bookworm where I worked for almost 2 years. The last year working there, I was the Children's Specialist and was responsible for the children's programming, including the Adopt A Reader program which matched at-risk children with community members in order to build at-home libraries and early literacy skills.  

What inspired you to join The Literacy Project?

Like I said, I was born and raised in this valley, and I felt like it was my time to give back. I've been a life-long reader so literacy is very important to me. This opportunity seemed like a really great way to give back to the community as a whole by using one of my strongest passions.  

What do you relate with most in regards to the mission of The Literacy Project?

I truly believe that literacy skills have the power to change lives for the better and I am so glad I get to be a part of that in the community I grew up in! 

You started this job right before the stay home orders took place, that must be super challenging! How are you navigating being in a new role during this time? 

I've been focused on training and professional development by attending online webinars. I've also been working on creating an online class via Google classroom for our GED classes, so we can continue to prepare our community members for the test.

What are you most excited about when you are able to return to working in-person?

I'm excited to get back to teaching the ESL and GED classes in person, and finding more volunteers and students to rebuild our Eagle/Gypsum programs.