People-Places-Things

People-Places-Things is a social enterprise dedicated to providing flexible, high quality, relevant English practice for immigrants and refugees, and anyone worldwide who wants to learn English for practical purposes. Founded in 2011 by Patrik McDade, the goal was to provide support for community-based English programs around the USA. Patrik had been teaching in a variety of settings since 1996, when he earned his TESL Certificate at Portland State University. Since then, P-P-T and hundreds of dedicated community based teachers have taught thousands of learners in the Greater Portland area and far beyond. Let's work together!

Our approach, like the newcomer families who inspire us, is wholly focused on the practical. We start with the applications of English language and cultural navigation in real world settings like the neighborhoods we live in. With group classes, we embrace the multilevel, multilingual character of our communities. Everyone is always welcome, including children, even if you're late. We draw heavily from improv techniques and work to develop community and generate energy in our community based classes. In 1:1 settings we prioritize the relational, centering on the goals of our learners and reverse engineering our practice to reach those goals.

Spirit of Portland 2016 Roosevelt Freedom Fighter 2014

2023 MA Community Organizing and Social Activism - National University of Natural Medicine 1996 TESL Certificate - Portland State University 1993 BA Psychology/Philosophy - University of Arizona

Patrik grew up in Tucson, Az, and moved to Portland, OR in 1993. His life has been a fumbling, determined, earnest attempt to make the most positive impact in the world as possible with the tools he has. In 2011, he decided to serve low income immigrants and refugees no matter what the cost. Now, 400 teachers and more than 10 years later, he continues to provide tools and resources to unlock the potential of people and communities who are far more determined and resourceful than he is, but for a language barrier. www.pptpdx.com