Each lesson in the EnglishConnect learner manual is divided into two parts: 1) Personal Study and 2) Conversation Group. The Personal Study section prepares you for your Conversation Group. It includes a principle of learning to study, vocabulary to memorize, and sentence patterns to learn.

You can also use the EnglishConnect workbook and website to practice English daily. Consistently using these resources will help you learn English faster.

Better English skills can expand your opportunities for education, employment, and service.

• Education: Access educational opportunities like BYU-Pathway Worldwide. 
• Employment: Qualify you for better jobs. 
• Service: Expand what you can do for others. For example, you could serve as an EnglishConnect 1 or 2 teacher to help others learn English. 
  

Below are the links to find and join a group:

• EnglishConnect 1 and 2 Registration
• EnglishConnect 3 Registration

EnglishConnect 1 and 2
Most groups meet once or twice a week, but lessons are written so groups can meet more frequently if desired. There are 25 lessons in each level and each lesson lasts 60–90 minutes.

EnglishConnect 3
Groups meet once a week. There are a total of seven weeks per block and each lesson lasts 90 minutes.

Let your teacher know if you need to miss a meeting and continue to move forward by preparing for the next lesson. If you can, review the lesson you missed or practice with a group member outside of the meeting. You will also have opportunities to review as you go along.

Yes. You can repeat any EnglishConnect level. Some learners will want to repeat a level to achieve their study goals or increase their confidence.

Contact your EnglishConnect teacher for help.

You do not need teaching experience to be an EnglishConnect teacher. Perhaps you have never taught English before and feel uncertain how to begin. That’s okay. EnglishConnect lessons are carefully and thoughtfully designed using language-teaching principles and spiritual principles to help you be successful. You don’t have to be an expert. You don’t have to know the answer to every question. Your role is to facilitate language development by providing opportunities for practice. You do not have to teach grammar or understand everything about English. Instead, focus on creating an environment where learners feel comfortable speaking English and learning from their mistakes.

Teaching English using only English is very common around the world. In fact, this can be a blessing because it increases the amount of English that learners hear and use. Remember to speak in simple English. Use visuals, hand gestures, and body language to help learners understand new vocabulary words and patterns. You can show a photo, draw a picture, or act it out. You can point learners to the translated resources in EnglishConnect 1 for Learners or EnglishConnect 2 for Learners, or you can use an online dictionary. This will also teach learners how to use available resources to find answers. Avoid long explanations. Instead, simply show learners what to do by demonstrating.

Remember that you are learning together. Regularly invite learners to turn to the Lord for support. As their teacher, you can be an example of faith and effort. Speaking English with learners is an act of faith. The Lord will bless you and your learners as you act in faith to speak English.

You will help learners most when you focus on speaking English throughout the conversation group. You can do this by setting an example. Do your best to speak only English. Use simple words and short sentences. Speak slowly and repeat phrases often. Write key words and phrases on the board. You can also use a visual, draw a picture, or act it out. Avoid long explanations and translating everything you say. If you must use the native language, ask permission first and use the native language as little as possible and then return to English. Encourage learners to speak as much English as they can and to not be afraid of making mistakes. Help them experience success, and praise every effort. If learners need more help, point them to the learner manuals, where they can find the material in their native languages. As you focus on helping learners learn by doing, you will have less need to use the native language.

Teaching a multi-language group is a wonderful opportunity to encourage speaking English because English is the common language in the group. As a teacher, use the English version of the learner manual. Help learners use the learner manual in their native language, if it is available, so they can benefit from the translations. If possible, put learners into small groups to discuss the principle of learning in their native languages, but make sure no one is excluded. If there is only one speaker of a particular language in the group, have that group discuss the principle of learning in simple English so all are included.

To learn English, learners need to develop a habit of practicing daily. Encourage learners to establish this habit by finding simple ways to integrate English into their daily activities (see the “Daily Practice” section). For example, learners can choose to watch shows or listen to music in English. You can encourage learners to use the list of ideas to improve daily study found after the “Personal Study Tracker” in the introduction to the learner manual. Use this list to inspire learners to find creative, meaningful ways to practice daily.

During the group meeting, invite learners to study and practice English daily and follow up on their efforts. You could ask a few learners to share specific things they did for daily practice. You might consider creating a virtual space, such as a group chat, for learners in the group. Counsel with your leaders to find appropriate ways to help the group stay connected during the week through group messaging or other ways. You can support learners as they work to reach their goals, but remember, they are ultimately responsible for their own learning.

Counsel with local Church leadership to make decisions about organizing and running EnglishConnect groups. Ideally, two adult teachers are assigned to each group. Consider learners’ needs and the local capacity as you make choices about location, schedule, and pacing.

EnglishConnect lessons can range from 60 to 90 minutes. Follow the timing ranges listed for each activity. Do not remove any activities; simply use the minimum time suggested for a shorter group meeting and use the longer time suggested if time allows.

Note:  Counsel with those who are overseeing the program and consider learners’ needs and the local capacity as you make these decisions.

Generally, groups meet once a week. If desired, groups can meet more frequently. For group meetings to be most effective, learners need to have sufficient time between meetings to complete the “Personal Study” section.

EnglishConnect 1 and 2 each have 25 lessons. If groups meet once a week, it will take six months to complete one level. If groups meet twice a week, it will take three months. If desired, you can break up the program into smaller sections, or modules. For example, you may choose to start a group that will meet for only three months once a week to complete units 1 through 3. Using this approach can help learners stay committed.

Note:  When scheduling a group meeting that does not begin with unit 1, consider starting your group’s lesson schedule with lesson 1. This will help orient learners on how to use the manual. Counsel with those who are overseeing the program and consider learners’ needs and the local capacity as you make these decisions.

If desired, groups can cover more than one lesson during a group meeting. For group meetings to be most effective, learners need to have sufficient time before the group meeting to complete the “Personal Study” section for each lesson.

See “How often should my group meet?” for more information on lesson schedule and pacing.

EnglishConnect 1 requires literacy in the person’s native language and the ability to read the English alphabet and basic English words. EnglishConnect 2 is for learners who can say basic sentences and respond to basic questions in English. To decide if a learner should join EnglishConnect 1 or EnglishConnect 2, you can use the oral proficiency interview in appendix B.

EnglishConnect 3 is an intermediate course that helps learners develop academic English-language skills. To join EnglishConnect 3, learners must apply and achieve a qualifying score on the placement exam. Learners can apply at englishconnect.org/join.

EnglishConnect has multiple levels to help participants progress. EnglishConnect 1 and 2 help learners develop basic English-language skills. EnglishConnect 3 is an intermediate course that helps learners develop academic English-language skills. It helps learners prepare for BYU–Pathway Worldwide. (Learn more about BYU–Pathway Worldwide at byupathway.edu.)

EnglishConnect 3 is a low-cost, online course with a conversation gathering held virtually or in a local meetinghouse. EnglishConnect 3 includes online learning resources with individualized feedback in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Learners can advance in the course at their own pace. Learners can repeat EnglishConnect 3 as many times as desired to accomplish their goals. Completing EnglishConnect 3 allows learners to bypass the English assessment when applying to BYU–Pathway Worldwide.

To prepare for EnglishConnect 3, learners should complete EnglishConnect 1 and 2—including workbook activities, particularly the reading and writing activities. Encourage EnglishConnect 2 learners to apply to EnglishConnect 3 at englishconnect.org/join.

EnglishConnect 3 is offered through BYU–Pathway Worldwide in collaboration with local leaders and Church service missionaries. Interested leaders can work with welfare and self-reliance managers in their area to provide EnglishConnect 3 in their locations.

The lessons are designed so that new learners can join an EnglishConnect group anytime. If learners want to join after groups have already started, welcome them, provide them with EnglishConnect 1 for Learners or EnglishConnect 2 for Learners (or show them how to access the manual in Gospel Library), and help them participate. You or another learner can help new learners integrate with the group by showing them how to prepare for the next lesson. Also, learners can choose to repeat a level if they need more practice.

Sometimes learners have challenges that make it difficult to attend the group, and they are often hesitant to return because of embarrassment or fear. They may assume that they have missed too much and can’t catch up. Reach out and invite absent learners to come to the next lesson no matter how many they have missed. Offer support and encouragement. Assure them that EnglishConnect is designed so learners can rejoin at any time. Learners can start again by attending the group and preparing for the next lesson. Consider inviting one or more members of the group to contact the absent learner and express support.

Note:  Do not share a person’s contact information without his or her written permission.

Some learners need more time to understand and speak a language. These learners will benefit most from completing the “Personal Study” section before participating in each conversation group. Invite them to practice the vocabulary and sentence patterns before the group meets. During the lesson, pair these learners with other learners who can provide encouragement and support. Encourage all learners to do as much as they can and to accept mistakes as part of the learning process. You may also choose to review and repeat activities. Remind all learners that completing the “Personal Study” section before participating in the next conversation group is vital to their progress.

As you engage with learners, you might notice that some understand well and are able to complete practice activities easily. Consider challenging these learners to deepen their learning by including more details or doing the same activity in a different context. For example, when learners practice meeting someone, ask them to practice meeting a new friend or a new boss. These learners can also solidify their knowledge of English by supporting learners who are learning at a slower pace. All learners can benefit from teaching a peer and helping others practice vocabulary and patterns in English.

Having learners with different levels of English-speaking ability is natural and is an opportunity for them to help each other. Helping each other can foster fellowship and growth. Everyone has something to offer. For example, some learners may be able to help others feel confident because they are willing to make mistakes. Pair learners in different ways. You can pair learners with someone at a similar level to help them stretch their abilities together. Or you can pair learners with someone at a different level. The lower-level learner will benefit from feedback and support. The higher-level learner will benefit from teaching a peer and explaining in English. Remember, having a group with different English-speaking abilities is normal and can be a wonderful opportunity for learners to benefit from helping each other.

Instead of providing lengthy grammar instruction or spending a lot of time talking about rules, point learners back to the patterns. Learners will avoid many mistakes by following the patterns. It is more effective to learn by practicing the language instead of talking about the language. Any explanations about grammar should be simple, concise, and actionable. If you teach a principle, provide example sentences and invite learners to practice applying the principle. Learners benefit most from hearing and practicing English.

Do not spend a lot of time correcting pronunciation. Remind learners that being understood is more important than having perfect pronunciation. Encourage learners to practice pronunciation during their personal study so they can practice at their own pace. Keep in mind that if learners are overly concerned about their pronunciation, they may be hesitant to practice conversation. Encourage learners to use the pronunciation modules online at englishconnect.org/learner-resources.

Use the tool QuickReg (quickreg.englishconnect.org) to register and manage your EnglishConnect group. QuickReg is a group registration tool provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can use QuickReg to:

• Create a group: Select the day, time, and location of your group. 
• Manage a group: View participant information and update group information. 
• Invite people to participate: Your group will be listed online at englishconnect.org/join. You can share a link to invite people to register for your group. 
• Distribute certificates: At the end of your group, you can access and print the certificates. 

EnglishConnect 1 and 2: At the conclusion of the group, learners can receive participation certificates. Leaders, specialists, or teachers can distribute the certificates. Some countries may not be approved to distribute EnglishConnect certificates. Please review local legal requirements before awarding certificates (see englishconnect.org/leader/approved-locations).

Note:  To access and distribute certificates, your group must be registered in the QuickReg tool at quickreg.englishconnect.org. (See “How do I register and manage my EnglishConnect group?” in this FAQ section.)

EnglishConnect 3: Learners can achieve certificates of completion when they complete required levels in the course. Completing EnglishConnect 3 allows learners to bypass the English assessment when applying to BYU–Pathway Worldwide.

A focus on faith-based learning is one of the things that makes EnglishConnect unique. You can include people from different faith backgrounds by helping them reflect on how the principle of learning may apply to them. You can use the “Principles of Learning Glossary” in the EnglishConnect learner manuals to help them understand gospel terms. As guided by the Spirit, consider inviting them to share what they are learning as you discuss the principle of learning. Always show respect for others’ beliefs while openly sharing your faith that God can help them learn English.

Sharing is a natural part of conversation groups, but sometimes one person might talk so much that others seem reluctant to share. It can be helpful to talk with that person one-on-one, outside of the group meeting. Explain what you are observing and how you think it is affecting the group. Ask the person to share any concerns and see if you can agree on a solution that will help all group members participate.

You might need to postpone the lesson. Counsel with those who are overseeing the program and consider learners’ needs and the local capacity as you make these decisions.

Ask another teacher to lead the group in your absence. Make sure there are two adults present. Invite another adult member of the group to teach if necessary.

Learner Materials
Learners will need access to EnglishConnect 1 for Learners or EnglishConnect 2 for Learners either digitally in the Gospel Library or in print through the Church’s online store at store.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Additional resources are also available to enhance their learning, including workbooks and online activities. For descriptions of all the resources available to learners, see “What are the learner and teacher materials for EnglishConnect?”

Teacher Materials
Teachers should study EnglishConnect for Teachers in the Gospel Library as well as other training resources at englishconnect.org/teacher.

Members and missionaries can start EnglishConnect groups under the direction of local priesthood leaders. See the EnglishConnect Implementation Guide for more information.

If a learner arrives late, invite another learner to help him/her participate in the current activity.

If a learner joins the course after the first lesson, take time before or after to warmly welcome the new learner. Invite another learner to help him/her understand the course and prepare for the next lesson.

Invite learners to memorize vocabulary before the lesson. They can use online resources to learn the meaning and pronunciation of each word. At the beginning of the lesson, have learners work in pairs to review the vocabulary for a few minutes. Do not spend time drilling vocabulary — learners will remember words better as they use them in the conversation activities.

Limit the amount of time you spend reviewing vocabulary and discussing grammar. The majority of time should be spent helping learners practice conversation activities in small groups or pairs.

No groups can be held when there are minors present and there are not two responsible adults present. Similarly, no adult can work alone, one on one, with a minor. These rules are for the protection of all.

EnglishConnect is an English-language learning program provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The purpose of EnglishConnect is to help individuals increase spiritual and temporal self-reliance through developing English skills in an environment of faith, fellowship, and growth. Leaders, teachers, and learners use EnglishConnect to help God’s children:

• Live the gospel of Jesus Christ. In EnglishConnect, participants apply principles of learning “by study and also by faith” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118). Teachers and learners strengthen their faith as they seek and receive the Lord’s help. 
• Care for those in need. English-language skills can expand opportunities for self-reliance and service. EnglishConnect helps participants prepare for service, employment, and educational opportunities. In addition, participants serve and love each other as they teach and learn together. 
• Invite all to receive the gospel. In EnglishConnect groups, participants learn and apply gospel principles and build friendships. Throughout EnglishConnect, participants have many opportunities to follow the Spirit as they love, share, and invite others to experience the blessings of the gospel. 

Learning English can significantly increase a person’s opportunities for employment, education, and service. In countries where English is not the native language, natives who speak English can earn 30-50% higher salaries (https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/03/the-link-between-english-and-economics; https://hbr.org/2013/11/countries-with-better-english-have-better-economies). 

In English-speaking countries, immigrants and refugees who learn English are better able to find employment, access healthcare, take advantage of education opportunities, and integrate with the community (https://www.census.gov/hhes/socdemo/language/data/acs/PAA_2005_AbilityandEarnings.pdf).

You play a critical role in establishing the vision for EnglishConnect in your area. Please read and follow the instructions in the EnglishConnect Implementation Guide.

Teachers play a critical role in inviting the Spirit and fostering faith, fellowship, and growth in EnglishConnect groups. They do not need to be experts in English or have experience teaching. They do not need to speak the same language as learners. EnglishConnect lessons are designed using proven principles of language learning, and teachers will be successful as they lovingly guide learners through the lessons. Teachers help learners come closer to God through learning English.

Good teachers have:

• Enthusiasm, excitement, and passion for teaching English. 
• Love and patience for learners and a strong desire to see them succeed. 
• A positive and an optimistic attitude. 
• Dependability and availability to lead groups. 

Because EnglishConnect learners can include minors, local priesthood leaders should interview each potential instructor and review their membership record for annotations before issuing a calling. Groups that have minors must have two adults present and follow Church policies for protecting youth.

Teachers can be trained by a self-reliance specialist, priesthood leader, or another teacher. They train teachers using EnglishConnect for Teachers and the resources at englishconnect.org/resources/teachers-and-leaders. Teachers should be given a copy of the learner manual and workbook (see “What are the learner and teacher materials?”). Teachers can be encouraged to meet regularly to counsel together, share best practices, answer each other’s questions, and review training materials.

It is recommended that each group have at least two teachers. That way they can team teach or cover for each other if one is away or sick.

IMPORTANT: EnglishConnect groups must follow the Church policy that at least two responsible adults should always be present during every group meeting. If there is only one teacher, then assign an adult group member to attend each lesson. Do not hold groups if there are not at least two responsible adults present.

Learner Materials
Learners will need access to EnglishConnect 1 for Learners or EnglishConnect 2 for Learners either digitally in Gospel Library or in print through the Church’s online store at store.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Additional resources are also available to enhance their learning, including workbooks and online activities. For descriptions of all the resources available to learners, see “What are the learner and teacher materials for EnglishConnect?”

Teacher Materials
Teachers should study EnglishConnect for Teachers in Gospel Library as well as other training resources at englishconnect.org/resources/teachers-and-leaders.

Local units and missions can determine if they will pay the cost of print materials or if learners will pay for their own manuals. Learners can order the manuals directly at store.churchofjesuschrist.org.

The purpose of EnglishConnect is to help learners increase their spiritual and temporal self-reliance as they seek the Lord’s help to learn English. Learning English can also expand their educational and job opportunities. EnglishConnect courses are designed to help learners apply principles of the gospel as they work together to achieve their learning goals.

You will know teachers are succeeding when they:

• Invite the Spirit through testimony, prayer, and expressions of love and encouragement. 
• Dedicate 20 to 30 minutes of group time to discussing the principle of learning from the lesson. 
• Spend the majority of group time helping learners engage in interactive speaking practice activities. 

You will know learners are succeeding when they:

• Consistently attend and actively participate in weekly group sessions. 
• Teach one another, express faith, and share testimony. 
• Act in faith to study and practice English daily outside of their group. 

You can use the short oral assessment in “Appendix B: Oral Proficiency Interview for Placement in EnglishConnect Groups” to determine if a learner should be placed in EnglishConnect 1 or EnglishConnect 2. If there is only one group being offered, learners from both levels can work together to provide and receive support.

EnglishConnect resources are protected by copyright law and should not be modified without permission. See section “Appendix A: Legal Information" for information on requesting permission to modify resources.

Most organizations offer both EnglishConnect 1 and 2. If that is not possible, it is recommended that you start offering EnglishConnect 1 and expand to EnglishConnect 2 as your capacity increases.

With the updated materials released in 2024, previous teacher requirements have changed to allow more people the chance to serve as EnglishConnect teachers. In the questions listed in this tab, please review “Who should I call as teachers?” to learn more.

Learning a language is not easy. It requires consistent effort, patience, and faith. You can help by expressing faith, providing encouragement, and lovingly following up.

EnglishConnect is an initiative provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It began as part of the global education initiative and continues as a collaborative effort between the Church Educational System, Welfare and Self-Reliance Services, and Missionary Department. Thousands of people have joined EnglishConnect and are benefiting from the unique opportunity to learn English in an environment of faith, fellowship, and growth.

Many people around the world face obstacles to learning English including cost, distance, time, self-doubt, and access. Church leaders can use EnglishConnect to overcome these obstacles. EnglishConnect provides a unique opportunity for learners to develop English skills in a gospel-centered environment. Learners who achieve course outcomes will expand their opportunities for employment, service, and education—especially through BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

EnglishConnect operates under priesthood direction to assist in God’s work of salvation and exaltation. EnglishConnect can be implemented by wards, stakes, coordinating councils, missions, and areas. They do this by:

• Providing EnglishConnect 1 and 2 Groups: EnglishConnect groups may be organized and administered like other self-reliance groups. This usually means that the administration of EnglishConnect 1 and 2 is delegated to a self-reliance or other designated committee. 
• Connecting Learners to EnglishConnect 3 Groups: EnglishConnect 3 is organized and administered by BYU–Pathway Worldwide. Church-service missionaries facilitate EnglishConnect 3 groups. 

See the EnglishConnect Implementation Guide for more information.

In-person groups in Church buildings are recommended to provide fellowshipping opportunities. If access to Church buildings is a challenge for participants, consider providing online groups. The “Guide to Leading Virtual Groups” and “Virtual Group Participant Guide” can help leaders, teachers, and learners create an inspiring learning environment online. Virtual lesson presentations are available at englishconnect.org/leader-and-teacher-resources.

Most groups meet once or twice a week, but lessons are written so groups can meet more frequently if desired. Choose a day and time that works best for learners and teachers. Remember that learners need time to complete the personal study activities before each lesson.

Most groups meet for 90 minutes, but groups could meet for a different amount of time if desired.

Many groups are ongoing, meaning they start over with lesson 1 when they finish the manual. Other groups only go through the manual once or cover only a portion of the units in the manual.

Currently, EnglishConnect courses are non-credit bearing. However, the EnglishConnect 3 curriculum is designed to prepare learners for success in BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

EnglishConnect 1, 2, and 3 participants should be at least 11 years of age. Minors must submit a parental consent form.

People from different faith backgrounds are encouraged to participate. Members should always show respect for others’ beliefs while openly sharing their faith that God can help them learn English.

QuickReg is a Church-approved tool to manage self-reliance groups. Create groups in QuickReg by going to quickreg.englishconnect.org. Then continue to use QuickReg to:

• Advertise groups 
• Change the date, time, and location of groups 
• Print participant certificates 
• Change a learner’s status 
• Conclude groups 

See the QuickReg tutorial at englishconnect.org/quickreg for training.

Note: To use QuickReg, a member must (1) have a Church calling and (2) have their calling recorded in Leader and Clerk Resources.

EnglishConnect 1 and 2: Teachers and self-reliance specialists can print and award participation certificates to learners who are enrolled in QuickReg.

Note: This is only a participation recognition. EnglishConnect 1 and 2 are not certified courses and do not award university credits.

EnglishConnect 3: At the conclusion of the course, learners can achieve a certificate of completion based on their performance in the course.

EnglishConnect 1 and 2 teachers can be called or assigned. This should be decided by local leadership.

EnglishConnect 1 and 2 teachers are typically called or assigned by local leadership. When extending the call or assignment, leaders should direct teachers to the Teacher Manual and training resources at englishconnect.org/leader-and-teacher-resources.

In areas where stakes or wards do not have EnglishConnect groups, mission leaders can plan with local priesthood leaders to have missionaries teach the groups while local Church leaders prepare members to fill this role. Mission leaders and missionaries should use the information in this guide and unite their efforts with those of local leaders and members (see “Mission Partnership” in the EnglishConnect Implementation Guide for more information).