The School on Wheels English literacy program operates 5 days a week from 8 am to 8 pm in two shifts. About 250 volunteers donate at least one hour a week to teach adult students how to speak, read and write English at their own pace or prepare for the citizenship exam in one-on-one tutoring sessions.

School on Wheels was founded in 1993 by the Congregation to meet the growing need for English literacy education in the suburbs. An old, used library bookmobile was purchased and outfitted with 8 learning stations and educational materials. The School on Wheels was off and running with its guiding force, Sr. Marybeth McDermott, who had 50 years of teaching experience, as its founding program director. The new, larger bus with 10 learning stations was purchased with the help of many small dollar donations in 2004.

In the fall of 2008, Sr. McDermott joined another CSJ ministry. The associate director, Gloria Hernandez, became the communications and community relations manager for literacy programs (School on Wheels and Tutors on Wheels), while also overseeing new sites. School on Wheels welcomed two new team members with substantial ESL teaching experience: new program director Debbie Bradt now oversees the morning and midday shift, and new associate director Kathy Haas oversees the afternoon and evening shift. Drivers Chellie and Margarita get the bus to 7 teaching locations every week.

Joining them every week in the mission to help our neighbors and strengthen our communities are some 250 BIG-HEARTED volunteer tutors from more than 45 neighboring suburbs. Our generous volunteers and donors are making life-changing opportunities possible for deserving adults and their families from more than a dozen language backgrounds. To become a tutor call (708) 482-5060.