Since 1991, the Methuen Adult Learning Center has provided adult basic education services to educationally disadvantaged and limited English proficient adults. The Center is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Education and the Methuen Public Schools. The Methuen Adult Learning Center addresses individual literacy, but it also facilitates the transition of economically and educationally disadvantaged families to become economically self-sufficient and actively involved in their schools and community. The Center's philosophy recognizes that an individual's literacy affects that person's employability, self-esteem, and his/her active involvement in the community.

Students at the Methuen Adult Learning Center represent more than twenty different countries. A large percentage of the students have children in the local public schools. We are committed to helping bridge communication gaps and providing programs to help our students become more productive citizens, teaching them the necessary skills to function in today's society.

Susan Prior - Instructor

My name is Susan Prior and I am a teacher of English as a Second Language at the Methuen Adult Learning Center, which is housed in the Currier School. Although I grew up in Methuen, I began my teaching career in 1986 in New York City, where I earned a master's degree in applied linguistics from Teachers College, Columbia University.

I love to travel, meet people from different countries, and try all different kinds of food. So does my husband, whom I met while living in New York. For some reason, our daughter (a 10 year-old) is a picky eater, but we keep trying to expose her to different cuisines! When she was a baby we spent a year living and working in China. It was an incredible experience, and we hope to return someday.

I consider myself a very fortunate person, because I absolutely love my job and couldn't imagine doing anything else. I learn something new every day! My students at the Currier are incredibly motivated to learn and they truly appreciate the opportunity to be learning English and living in the USA. I really admire them. I have also taught in bilingual programs at the Marsh Grammar School in Methuen and at the Bruce School in Lawrence.