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.
