The 2017 TESOL Master’s Student Forum will be held on March 21, 2017, in conjunction with TESOL’s 2017 convention in Seattle, WA, USA. Students enrolled in master’s programs leading to a master’s degree in TESOL (or related fields) at any institution of higher learning may take part in the Master’s Student Forum, either as presenters…
by Adrienne Johnson While in the classroom, I remember many conversations with colleagues about how politicians seem not to understand what it is like to teach and work with high-need students. We discussed how frustrated we were, but we never felt as if we could create change at the state and national levels – we…
by Liza Armstrong “Ching-Ching-CHING!” Instructor Jenifah Abu-Hassan reminisced that Mark Algren, a MIDTESOL member, used to start his faculty meetings with this sound of Tibetan double bells when he served as her boss at American University of Sharjah in the UAE. As he undoubtedly started meetings as director of language programs at two Saudi universities…
by Ziyun Chen While many international students go abroad to study English or study a profession in English, the majority of students are not sufficiently equipped in the domain of cultural competence to feel at ease in the classrooms of English-speaking countries. I believe that ESL teachers have a significant role in assisting ESL students…
by Arla Jones As I am coming to the end of my second year of teaching in a blended classroom, I can honestly say that it has been a completely refreshing experience. Nobody is more surprised than me–it’s been 27 years since I first started teaching! Our English Learners (ELs) are in grades six to…
Reminder to MIDTESOL members attending the 2016 MIDTESOL Conference September 30th – October 1st! The deadline to apply for an Interest Section Travel Award is July 22 for attendees who do not receive financial assistance from their employers. One winner from each interest section will receive a check for $125 at the conference. For more…
With America’s classrooms changing rapidly, teachers at all levels need to know who their immigrant students are and how to capitalize on diversity for the benefit of all students. Learn asset-based models and techniques to bring out the best in your students in the free online workshop Immigrant Student Success: Models and Tools for K-12…
by Lindsey Jackson In December 2015, President Obama signed into law an act that replaced No Child Left Behind (NCLB). That law was the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which is not only a replacement of NCLB but a continuation of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act put into place by President Lyndon B. Johnson…
By Arla Jones and Kimberley Kreicker, Ph.D. South Middle School in Lawrence, Kansas has a diverse ESOL population comprising approximately 12% of the student body. South has both long-term ELs and relative newcomers, mostly of Spanish, Laotian, and Arabic language backgrounds. We are the two full-time ESOL professionals on staff. With the middle school model,…
by Lindsey Jackson The topic of immigration is particularly important for educators, especially in regards to undocumented minors. These children and teenagers, brought to the States at a young age, have no paperwork and no legal status. Although all children in the United States have a legal right to a free, appropriate, public education up…
