Professional Advancement Language Classes

Summer 2025 | June 2 – July 23

Ready to speak English with more clarity and confidence?

The Professional Advancement Language Classes are designed to help non-native English speakers improve pronunciation, build self-assurance, and enhance communication in personal and professional environments.

About the Course

This English Pronunciation class supports intermediate to advanced English speakers in developing clearer and more effective spoken communication. This 8-week course focuses on the key elements of pronunciation — from individual sounds to connected speech — in a supportive, interactive environment.

Students will work on:

  • English consonant and vowel sounds using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

  • Word and sentence stress

  • Rhythm, intonation, and linking sounds

  • Accent reduction techniques for improved clarity

Whether you’re giving a presentation, interviewing for a job, or simply navigating day-to-day conversations, this course helps you feel prepared and understood.

Materials Provided

  • Pronunciation Plus textbook
  • Weekly instructor-curated resources and handouts

Class Schedule

Choose a time that fits your life.

June 2 – July 23 (8 weeks)
Small group format: ~20 students

Morning Session
Mondays & Wednesdays
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM

Evening Session
Mondays & Wednesdays
6:00 PM – 8:15 PM

Registration is now open!

Course Objectives

Develop Pronunciation Skills

Learn to produce English sounds with accuracy using IPA guidance

Enhance Comprehensibility

Focus on accent reduction while preserving your identity

Improve Listening & Speaking

Recognize natural speech patterns and practice real conversations

Boost Confidence

Gain tools to speak English clearly and comfortably

Self-Monitoring Skills

Identify areas of improvement and track your growth

What You'll Learn

Sounds of English

  • Identifying consonant and vowel sounds
  • Working with consonant clusters and diphthongs

Stress & Rhythm

  • Mastering word and sentence stress
  • Practicing rhythm in connected speech

Intonation Patterns

  • Using rising and falling tones correctly
  • Breaking speech into meaningful thought groups

Speech Patterns

  • Linking words naturally
  • Practicing elision and assimilation (sound blending)

How You'll Learn

Our classes use a variety of engaging, hands-on learning activities:

  • Mechanical Practice – Minimal pairs (e.g., “cat” vs. “cut”)
  • Interactive Games – Rhyming, stress drills, tongue twisters
  • Shadowing Techniques – Mimic native speakers to improve rhythm
  • Real-Life Dialogues – Apply new skills in practical conversation

Who Should Attend?

These classes are ideal for:

  • Intermediate to advanced non-native English speakers
  • Professionals seeking clearer workplace communication
  • Students or community members preparing for presentations or interviews
  • Anyone who wants to speak English with greater confidence

Benefits of the Course

  • Increased clarity in speech for better understanding by native speakers.
  • Enhanced confidence in both formal and informal communication.
  • Practical tools for ongoing improvement in pronunciation skills.

About Your Instructor

Lissette Treanor

Lissette L. Treanor was born in Havana, Cuba, and immigrated to the United States at the age of seven. Her passion for language and education led her to earn a B.A. in English and Communications from Rutgers University, followed by an M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language from New Jersey City State University.

With over three decades of experience in ESL instruction and program development, Lissette has dedicated her career to helping non-native English speakers achieve linguistic and academic success. In 2001, she was hired by Greenville Technical College (GTC) to design and launch its English as a Second Language (ESL) program from the ground up. For nearly 25 years, this program remained the only academic-level ESL program in the state, serving thousands of students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Throughout her career, Lissette has been deeply committed to fostering language acquisition and academic achievement for non-native speakers. Her expertise in curriculum development, instructor training, and student engagement has had a lasting impact on the field of language education. With a passion for helping individuals build confidence and proficiency in English, she has dedicated her life’s work to creating opportunities for learning and personal growth.

Full Class Schedule

Location: University Center of Greenville (UCG), Room 501
Date
Morning Session
Evening Session
Monday, June 2
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
6:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Wednesday, June 4
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
6:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Monday, June 9
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
6:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Wednesday, June 11
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
6:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Monday, June 16
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
6:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Wednesday, June 18
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
6:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Monday, June 23
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
6:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Wednesday, June 25
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
6:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Monday, June 30
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
6:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Wednesday, July 2
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
6:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Monday, July 7
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
6:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Wednesday, July 9
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
6:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Monday, July 14
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
6:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Wednesday, July 16
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
6:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Monday, July 21
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
6:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Wednesday, July 23
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
6:00 PM – 8:15 PM

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