Amarillo College Offers ESL Classes for Students

Amarillo College’s ESL Programs Support Aspiring Truck Drivers

Amarillo College has long recognized the importance of language proficiency for students pursuing careers in various fields, particularly those in the Amarillo College Truck Driving Academy. The institution offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to help students overcome potential language barriers, ensuring they are well-prepared for their academic and professional pursuits.

Tony Diaz, the Coordinator of the Amarillo College Truck Driving Academy, emphasized that many students entering the program may not meet the required sixth-grade reading level necessary for success. “If we see a language barrier, we recommend they take our ESL programs to improve their comprehension and reading skills,” he explained. This support is crucial, especially in an industry where clear communication can mean the difference between safety and risk.

The significance of English proficiency in the truck driving industry has been heightened by recent changes in federal regulations. An executive order signed by President Donald Trump in June of this year reinforces a previous law requiring truck drivers to demonstrate proficiency in English. According to Diaz, this requirement ensures that drivers can effectively communicate during inspections and understand road signs.

Diaz shared a real-life example of how these requirements impact drivers. “There was a scenario where a driver was pulled over and couldn’t pass the test because of an English barrier. The test includes answering questions about their route and cargo, followed by identifying road signs. If a driver fails, they’re taken out of service, which can be a major disruption.”

Tiffany Kimmell, the ESL Coordinator at Amarillo College, highlighted the role of ESL classes in helping students achieve their goals. “We want to provide the tools our students need to succeed. Learning English is often their first step toward achieving bigger dreams,” she said. Kimmell described the satisfaction of watching students progress, including one who balanced ESL classes with obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

“I had a student who took English classes in the evening while working on his CDL during the day. He completed the program first and we celebrated with a small party. It was a rewarding experience to see him succeed in both areas,” Kimmell added.

Available ESL Classes in Amarillo

Amarillo College offers ESL classes as part of its broader commitment to student success. These classes are designed to help non-native speakers build the language skills needed to thrive in academic and professional settings. In addition to the college’s offerings, several other organizations in the area provide ESL programs:

• Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle
• Each class lasts 1 1/2 hours.
• Students are required to attend at least one class per week.
• Classes run from September to May, with some summer options available.

• Contact: [email protected]

• Refugee Language Project

• Offers English classes throughout the week.
• Group classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

• One-on-one tutoring is also available.

• Amarillo Public Library

• Classes are offered at the Downtown Library (413 SE 4th) and the East Branch Library (2232 E 27th).
• Contact: (806) 342-1589

For more information about the ESL programs at Amarillo College and the Truck Driving Academy, visit their official websites. Additional resources and updates on local news, weather, sports, and streaming video can be found on MyHighPlains.com and through KAMR Local 4 News and Fox 14 News.