English as a Second Language (ESL) is also called English Language Development (ELD). These have basically the same meaning and you may see either show up on your student's schedule. We meet each day and learn how to use Academic English in school. Students often learn social language on their own, but that specific language they must use to succeed in school or college is our focus in class. We will practice Writing, Speaking, Listening, and Reading until they become easy for our students.
I am excited to be your child's teacher this year! This is my third year at Oakland Middle School, but I began my journey in ESL in the 1990's when I worked summer after summer teaching Japanese students to speak English. It became a love that I never escaped until I returned a few years ago to the profession. While English is my first language, I have been a multi-lingual learner since I was 12 years old. I have over the years learned to speak French, some Spanish, and some Russian. Russian...(I know, weird!) I received my Bachelor's Degree from Auburn University and a Master's Degree in Education at Middle Tennessee State University.
I am married to my husband, Tom, for 24 years and we have three daughters. One of my daughters is an education major at MTSU, and the other is likely doing the same for the Fall of 2025. I'm pretty proud of them for that! My third daughter will go to Oakland High School next year. Please reach out to me anytime you have a question. Feel free to write your email in the language you find most comfortable and I will translate it.