Diversity Conference

     The panel at the diversity conference was focused on teaching English Language Learners. Many panelists were from the Lewiston/Auburn area where there are many ELL students due to the large Somalian population. There is also going to be a May term class offered where there will be first hand experience working with ELL students. Although I am not planning on taking that course, I am interested in learning more about teaching these students, especially as the number of native English speakers in this country decreases. I also hope to get a teaching job in the Portland area, where there are also many ELL students.
     I enjoyed hearing the panelists discuss issues such as speaking with the parents of these students. I had never considered that I would have to learn how to work well with a translator in order to completely communicate with parents. One of the panelists mentioned that each school district is required to provide free translation services. I think that this is wonderful and keeps parents from being excluded.
     Another topic that the panelists discussed is just getting to know ELL students and getting involved in their lives like you would any other student. It is important to treat these students with care and patience and realize that their needs are not disrupting to other students. It has been shown that methods used t teach ELL students are actually very helpful to all students. This means that ELL students do very well in an integrated classroom.
     I think that this conference has made me interested to learn more about working with ELL students. I also realized how little I knew about the topic and about how I need to learn more before I start working with these students.