JJC Tutor Dr. Fiorite Offers English Training in Egypt

A Joliet Junior College English tutor recently shared her knowledge with instructors in Egypt as part of an assignment through the U.S. State Department.

Dr. Christine Fiorite was among 80 U.S. citizens selected for the English Language Specialist program. Specialists assist U.S. embassies to deliver and maintain the overseas language programs, which also promotes positive international relations. Fiorite trained K-16 English language teachers who work with students with visual impairments or are preparing to do so. During the two-week assignment that ended in July, she worked with over 50 teachers in the cities of Cairo and Luxor.

“One of the focuses of the workshops was understanding the importance of inclusive education, so being able to model an inclusive environment was an important benefit of the training,” she said.

Fiorite has taught English in the U.S. and abroad for over 20 years. Most recently, from 2012 to 2016, she was an instructor at the United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. For the last three years, Fiorite has served as an English tutor in JJC’s Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC).

“When I decided to move back to be closer to my family in Morris in 2016, I knew I couldn’t be away from my family again for so long, but I still wanted to be active internationally,” she said.

While in Egypt, in addition to focusing on inclusive classrooms, Fiorite sought to help teachers incorporate self-advocacy skill development into their English language classrooms. She also held workshops featuring community building activities and encouraged teachers to support each other as allies of students with visual impairment and blindness. 

“I decided that we needed a motto to guide us through this unique project.  I chose a quote by Helen Keller: ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.’ This ended up being an excellent guiding thought throughout the project because this was the first time many of these teachers had met each other.”

Prior to her trip, Fiorite sought assistance from Mindy Diaz, who at the time managed JJC's Disability Services. Fiorite was also put in touch with Eslimerari Ramos, community affairs chair for student club Latinos Unidos, who is visually impaired. The two were key to her successful visit, Fiorite said.

Fiorite added she appreciated the opportunity to meet wonderful teachers and form new relationships.

“The Egyptians were very welcoming and generous, and I am very grateful that I was able to work with so many eager, dedicated, and inspiring teachers,” said Fiorite.

For media inquiries, contact Communications and Media Coordinator Scott Harvey at 815-280-2844 or sharvey@jjc.edu.