Mission and History

Our History Celebrating 25 Years - Video The Celebrating 25 years video highlights the history of TEACH from its origins to its present-day mission. Click on the heading to view. 1993 The Sisters of St. Joseph created TEACH as a ministry to teach English skills to the growing immigrant population, and facilitate their inclusion into the community in fulfillment of the spiritual mission “That All May Be One.” The sisters purchased a used bookmobile to house the program. 2004 TEACH was created to form partnerships with schools, libraries, churches, community centers, and businesses. A replacement TEACH bus was purchased. 2011 TEACH merged to form TEACH, a private 501(c)(3) sponsored ministry of the Congregation of St. Joseph.
Today TEACH has 17 sites in Cook, DuPage, and Will counties. Over 850 students are supported by 300 volunteers. TEACH continues fulfilling its founding mission “That All May Be One.” The Congregation of St. Joseph has been serving the educational needs of communities across the U.S. for more than 150 years. The Sisters of St. Joseph in LaGrange Park have been serving the area since 1899.
Mission Statement

Tutoring English to 
Advance Change (TEACH)
     
    Rooted in the Congregation 
of St. Joseph's founding values 
of promoting inclusion, unity, 
and equity, TEACH works to enrich
the quality of life of all immigrants 
so that they may actively participate 
in and contribute to their communities. 
     Through free individualized
instruction, mentoring, and support, 
TEACH empowers adult learners 
to build their strengths 
and develop confident voices, 
enabling them to advocate for 
themselves, and their families in 
all dimensions of life.

Core Values

    The values that inspire TEACH to 
fulfill its mission are based on 
the Core Values of the 
Congregation of St. Joseph, its founder.  
   They are to:
    1.  Empower each person with the 
        knowledge and confidence to 
        change their own lives.
    2.  Promote equity in systems, 
        acts, and intentions.
    3.  Embrace individuality and 
        the uniqueness of each person.
    4.  Recognize the inherent value 
        and dignity of each person and
        the right to have opportunities 
        to improve quality of life.
    5.  Strive to be all-inclusive.
    6.  Build bridges to foster unity.
    7.  Move toward excellence.