TEACH – Teaching English And Citizenship Help (a non-profit group) is celebrating their first participant to achieve United States citizenship! Linda Loan Nguyen Morgan was sworn in as a United States citizen in Tulsa, Oklahoma last month (January). She was one of the first students in the class which met weekly at the Owasso Community Center, covering topics from the civics and history questions on the citizenship test, as well as interview questions, and reading and writing English. The class included students from China, Vietnam and Mexico.
It takes about three months after filing the application along with $680 to be called for the interview, which is done in Oklahoma City. During that time, fingerprinting is done and a background check is completed. When the interview is correctly completed, one is still not a citizen until the swearing-in ceremony. At that time, the new citizen gets a USA passport and a Certificate of Naturalization.
TEACH was founded by Ann McKelvey, a retired teacher and long-time literacy advocate. McKelvey has helped numerous people over the years learn English and attain US Citizenship, despite the fact that she herself speaks only English. She uses a system of word recognition, computer programs and games to help people learn to speak and read English.
TEACH is looking for tutors and students who want to teach or learn English. A tutor and a student meet for an hour a week to improve English language skills. Call 918-766-1168 for information on upcoming classes or email Ann McKelvey at [email protected].
