Welcome to English Express
Our mission is to support personal and social change for our English language learner community.
Our History
When we first opened our doors in 2016, English Express was a one-class program offering adult English language instruction at Jefferson Community Center. Program leader and veteran teacher, Mary Ann Hytken, wanted to offer a learner-centered program, a direct response to the expressed needs of Humboldt’s immigrant community. English Express gave her the freedom to do that and quickly grew to become a popular “Welcome to Humboldt” program offering free in-person and online English language and citizenship classes, family field trips to Humboldt events and places of interest and direct connections to vital resources. Since that time, English Express has served over 800 students, all Humboldt residents, representing 39 countries. Classes have been offered in six Humboldt County cities, from McKinleyville to Redway, and 59 students have become U.S. citizens.
In the News
Culture Player: Mary Ann Hytken Wants To Teach You English!
Lost Coast Outpost March 9, 2024
Classes Support County’s English Language Learners
Know Your Non-Profits Times Standard June 1, 2021
About Mary Ann Hytken
Program Leader/Teacher
Humboldt-born, Mary Ann Hytken is a veteran adult and secondary school English and English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher with 35 years teaching experience. Her unique and effective classes are known for making the learning of English fun, relaxed, and user-friendly. When she was 10 years old, her neighbor hosted Japanese exchange students. Although they had no shared language, they spent many hours sharing laughter and smiles over playing table tennis. That summer, the desire to help people communicate was planted.
