English as a Second Language featured in "Spotlight on the Schools" article in September 5, 2024 E-Edition in The Independent Herald on pages 30 and 31.
A child walks into a brand-new school not knowing anyone or where to go. No doubt, many people have had this experience. What many Scott Countians may not have experienced is walking into a school or workplace and not being able to read the signs, understand what anyone is saying, or be certain about simple customs such as how to greet someone. Should one shake hands, wave, smile, or make eye contact? For a small- but growing- number of Scott County students whose first language is not English, this is a daily struggle. Compounding the stress is the fact that these ELLs (English Language Learners) are expected to learn all subject areas in a foreign language and take the TCAP with their peers whose first language is English.
Scott County School’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program strives to meet the needs of these students, their families, and their teachers. The ESL program is led by Title III Director Amanda Stevens and ESL District Coordinator Kathy Obrusanszki. ESL teachers Joyce Keeton, Tristin Rector, Angie Shoemaker, Stacie Trammell, and Danielle Yancey teach ESL in addition to their regular teaching assignments. With help from the ESL Coordinator, they create tailor-made lessons that integrate English grammar and functions with core subject content, social and instructional language, and American culture. The language in instruction and assessment is adjusted to make the content accessible. Most ELLs receive one hour of ESL instruction per day. There is a huge learning curve, especially for students who are new to the U.S.
Tristin Rector, ESL teacher at Winfield Elementary explains “I'm proud to be an advocate for students who may have a difficult time navigating life in our culture. Teaching ESL has also helped me grow as an individual as I have learned about students' cultures and how to use their background knowledge and experiences to individualize their instruction. English Language Learners will always hold a special place in my heart and I'm so excited to be a part of the ESL team in Scott County Schools!”
District Coordinator Kathy Obrusanszki explains why she often goes beyond the normal job requirements of helping ELL families. She conducts ESL parent meetings at their workplace rather than at school, meets families at the Health department, and is available anytime to respond to text messages about issues such as an “official-looking letter regarding my car’s extended warranty.” As Mrs. Obrusanszki recalls “I can empathize with my ELLs because I have been in their shoes. When I moved to Hungary, I knew no Hungarian, which made the simplest tasks a challenge. Social customs, transportation, and products were quite different. I will never forget the first time I searched for milk and finally found it in a bag! Had it not been for my colleagues explaining that I also needed to buy a plastic holder, I don’t know what I would have done! The Miklos Jancso family was my saving grace, and I strive to be that tremendous support for my ELL families. In addition, the Bible tell us to love and help strangers. All the ESL staff are fully committed to bridging the gap for ELL families so that they can successfully integrate into our community. Our ELL families really appreciate these efforts.”
ELL families not only appreciate Scott County’s ESL program and the warm welcome they have received from Scott Countians, but they have also given back to our community. For many years El Rey’s and Panda restaurants have given generous prize donations to teachers who attend the ESL training. Soon after arriving, the ELL families who own Fill n’ Foods and Taqueria Ramirez asked how they could help and get involved in our community. Christina Lin from Panda restaurant shared that “The English classes helped my kids so much! Ms. Kathy always helps me and my family.”
Stacie Trammell, ESL teacher at Huntsville Middle, explains “I am enjoying getting to know my ELL students and their families. It’s interesting to engage in discussions about other cultures and I feel like I am learning as much as they are. My goal is to help them communicate effectively, support and encourage them as they grow, and provide a positive environment that they look forward to coming to.”
Scott County’s English language learners seem just as excited as their teachers about the ESL program. “My time with Ms. Joyce is so important to me because I can ask her to explain things from my other classes. Sometimes I am too shy in class because in Thailand the teachers sometimes yelled if you asked a question. Ms. Joyce takes her time and makes sure I understand. I love my ESL class!” beams Carla.