Meet Bruce Todd: Empowering Immigrants Through Education
April 11, 2023
Bruce Todd’s passion and dedication to teaching English has profoundly impacted the lives of numerous Latino immigrants in the Canal neighborhood of San Rafael. Since 2019, when he first began volunteering for Canal Alliance, Bruce has offered one-on-one guidance to English as a Second Language (ESL) learners, helping them refine their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
As a former newspaper reporter, magazine editor, and paralegal, Bruce has always had a deep relationship with the English language. It was his desire to help Latino immigrants learn English that brought him to Canal Alliance.
Many of Canal Alliance’s ESL students juggle multiple jobs and familial responsibilities, which leaves little time for studying. However, Bruce displays exceptional adaptability, making himself available whenever these adult learners can carve out tutoring time amidst their hectic schedules. He thoughtfully customizes each session to accommodate the unique needs and learning styles of his students.
Bruce’s unwavering commitment, innovative engagement methods, and empathetic, encouraging demeanor have positively transformed the lives of immigrants in the Canal community. He has been known to research physics and engineering terms in Spanish to teach students the corresponding English terminology, empowering them to converse about their areas of interest. Additionally, he incorporates English vocabulary for skilled trades like carpentry, plumbing, and painting, enabling students working in these fields to familiarize themselves with the essential terms for better-paying job opportunities.
In 2021, when Canal Alliance’s Adult Education program assumed the responsibility of providing citizenship preparation services from the Immigration Legal Services department, Bruce eagerly embraced the role of supporting students in their quest for U.S. citizenship. To date, he has assisted five individuals in this capacity, all of whom have successfully attained citizenship.
Bruce’s steadfastness is evident in his perfect attendance record for tutoring sessions. He prioritizes scheduling time with students, even when it necessitates remote tutoring, to ensure they receive the support they need.
Between 2019 and 2021, Bruce consistently tutored at least two ESL students per trimester, meeting with them individually every week for personalized language learning assistance. He has been working with two of his current ESL students on an ongoing basis throughout the last two years, persevering with them through the ups and downs of the pandemic.
Through his tireless dedication and passion for helping others, Bruce Todd has shown us that we can all make a difference in our community and help transform the lives of those around us.
As Bruce humbly reflects, “I see the students I help as people who can achieve their goals, and I’m just here to provide a little support to help them get there. Often during a tutoring session, a child will come in to see what’s going on with their parent. And when a child witnesses their mom or dad studying in the evening to create more opportunities for the family, it sends a powerful message about learning, hope, and dedication.”
If you’re inspired to volunteer at Canal Alliance and make a difference in the lives of low-income immigrants, click here to learn more about how you can get involved.
