Grantmo

I have been an educator for 21 years.  The majority of my years of teaching have been focused on Middle School ELL, Spanish and Dual Language – Language Arts and Social Studies instruction, though I have also worked as a curriculum specialist (Teacher on Special Assignment), taught college level classes, and helped write curriculum.  I know that all students to have the opportunity to become academically proficient in more than one language and that English Language learners have an opportunity to develop academic proficiency and cultural identity in their native language while learning English.

I also believe in the power of reading for all students, in multiple languages.  The ability to read and enjoy literature and non fiction can open doors for children that otherwise remain closed.  Social language and the engagement of adolescent learners in interesting and empowering academic content is key to keeping students engaged and learning to reading, write, listen, speak and think.

I have attended many trainings and helped plan and carry them out as well. There is not one approach that meets all student needs, but a variety of them.

I don’t have all of the answers and have many questions and hope that this blog opens the doors for educators to think with me more deeply about their practice.