LIFT ELs - SW*MELL

Learning & Insight for Teachers of ELs - August '24

Lifting Up the role of ELD Specialist

Read Tan K Huynh's article about Collaboration HERE.

The beginning of the year is an opportunity to clarify your role and (re)establish key relationships with your colleagues. There may be a lack of understanding among your administrators and peers about your position and how you prioritize your time. Here are some tips for ways to share your role.

Take advantage of this time to be visible in meetings and communal spaces. Stick your head in teachers' classrooms and introduce yourself and what you do. The article by Tan K Huynh, "Lifting up the language specialist's role", offers practical strategies to highlight the power of collaboration and elevate the ELD staff role. I've linked it HERE. His blog and podcast "Teaching MLs" are excellent.
Try to schedule a brief face-to-face with your administrator to discuss how to partner for student support this year, to describe your schedule, and to ask for their support. Read Huynh's article about principles for principals HERE.
Huynh encourages ELD Specialists to nurture a "spring and summer" relationship with classroom/content teachers. These are characterized by positive and enthusiastic interactions. Read his article about collaborative relationships HERE. See the Mantra chart above.
***ALSO, don't forget to share ACCESS score reports with admins, teachers, and students. See helpful tips from my March newsletter HERE.***

Resource for Families

Teach your students' parents about the incredible benefits of being bilingual or multilingual. Share this video with them, or recreate it with your students. This video is available in several languages at Colorín Colorado. Find these resources and others HERE.

Upcoming Professional Improvement Opportunities

"To solve any problem, here are three questions to ask yourself:

First, what could I do? Second, what could I read? And third, who could I ask?" ~Jim Rohn

Take control of your professional growth by acquiring knowledge on your own AND participating in learning opportunities with others in your area.

SW*MELL Fall Conference is 9.26.24

The SW*MELL Fall conference will showcase the brilliance of our colleagues in Southwest Missouri. Featured guests will include teams from Springfield, Nixa, MSU and Cape Girardeau.

The $45 registration fee includes catered lunch and a copy of "The 7 Steps to a Language-Rich, Interactive Classroom.".

Register HERE.

TEAMS USA workshops for English learners

TEAMS USA is an opportunity for teams of educators from area schools to go through a series of virtual guided workshops for English learner support. Teams are comprised of 3-5 members (including at least one admin and one EL educator).

The new cohort begins in September.

Includes a $1200 stipend PER participant.

Email showmemultiliteracy@missouristate.edu for more information and to sign up for the August 12 Zoom Q&A.

MELL Meet Up 8.30.24- The Nuts & Bolts of supporting MLs

Educators who are new to the world of English Language Development (ELD) will benefit from reviewing the basics of identification, enrollment, and simple scaffolding strategies for English learners.

Bring your lunch and connect with colleagues on Friday August 30 @ MSU.

1130am - 3pm

Sign up HERE.

I'm Here to Support You!

Rhonda Hittenberger Ortiz

MELL Instructional Specialist
Missouri State University
rhittenbergerortiz@missouristate.edu
417-836-4093

Contact me for any questions or clarifications you might have, or just to talk through a situation with me. I'm available via phone, email or in person!

"There can be no life without change..." Teddy Roosevelt

This is a season of CHANGE...change of schedules, routines, students, expectations, etc. Step into the new year clear about the essentials and open to new strategies and ideas.