OAISD EL/ML Newsletter
August 2022

New English/ Multilingual Learner Newsletter Format
Meet your English learner/ Multilingual learner Team
Rachel Manzer English Learner Coach for Internal ProgramsRachel Manzer has her Masters of Ed. in TESOL from Grand Valley State University. She taught Spanish and supported ELs at Reeths-Puffer High School from 2003-2008 and taught ELs at Hudsonville Public Schools from 2008-2021. | Lori Lee English Learner ConsultantLori Lee holds a K-12 ESL endorsement along with her Master’s in Literacy with a Reading specialist endorsement from Saginaw Valley State University. She was privileged to work with English learners and their families as the EL district coordinator for Saginaw Township schools and Bridgeport- Spaulding schools. She has also worked as a 3rd grade teacher and a middle school math and science teacher. | Tiffany Craigie English learner Coach for ISD DistrictsTiffany Craigie received her Masters of Ed. in Differentiated Instruction from Cornerstone University, K-12 school administrator certification from Eastern Michigan University, and K-12 ESL certification from Western Michigan University. Over the past 18 years in education she taught 6th-8th grade language arts and mathematics, 3rd-5th grade ESL, and was a K-8 school administrator. |
Rachel Manzer English Learner Coach for Internal Programs
Rachel Manzer has her Masters of Ed. in TESOL from Grand Valley State University. She taught Spanish and supported ELs at Reeths-Puffer High School from 2003-2008 and taught ELs at Hudsonville Public Schools from 2008-2021.
Lori Lee English Learner Consultant
Lori Lee holds a K-12 ESL endorsement along with her Master’s in Literacy with a Reading specialist endorsement from Saginaw Valley State University. She was privileged to work with English learners and their families as the EL district coordinator for Saginaw Township schools and Bridgeport- Spaulding schools. She has also worked as a 3rd grade teacher and a middle school math and science teacher.
Tiffany Craigie English learner Coach for ISD Districts
Tiffany Craigie received her Masters of Ed. in Differentiated Instruction from Cornerstone University, K-12 school administrator certification from Eastern Michigan University, and K-12 ESL certification from Western Michigan University. Over the past 18 years in education she taught 6th-8th grade language arts and mathematics, 3rd-5th grade ESL, and was a K-8 school administrator.
Resources to start the School Year
OAISD EL/ML Lending Library Title III consortium members may check out books for use in their classroom for an extended period of time. Click here to see a list of books. If you are not a consortium member please reach out if you see a book that you would like to use in your classroom and we will support you. This book check out method will transition to a new and easier format in the coming months. Please watch for updates. Email llee@oaisd.org to check out a book. | Immigrant Welcome Backpacks The ISD, through a generous grant from the CFHZ, has backpacks available for new immigrant students. | Backpack supplies Email llee@oaisd.org to request a backpack. |
OAISD EL/ML Lending Library
This book check out method will transition to a new and easier format in the coming months. Please watch for updates.
Email llee@oaisd.org to check out a book.
Immigrant Welcome Backpacks
EL/ML Resource Page Visit our regional resource page. Here you will find information and resources tailored to working with English/ Multilingual learners. | English/ Multilingual learner Timeline Here you will find an updated timeline of tasks and procedures. This document includes embedded links to all relevant documents and sites. | OAISD EL/ML PD Catalogue This catalogue includes local, region, and state PD offerings. All sign up links are included. This is a living document and will continue to be updated as new offerings become available. |
EL/ML Resource Page
English/ Multilingual learner Timeline
OAISD EL/ML PD Catalogue
Would you like EL coaching in your district?
NEW: EL coaching cycles include up to 12 SCECHs
What
EL coaching includes coaching cycles around the elements of examine, learn, grow, and reflect. These coaching cycles include one-on-one meetings and classroom support. Meetings may include goal setting, co-planning, reflection, microlearning, data analysis, or student case study. Classroom support may include modeling, data collection, or co-teaching.
When
Coaching can occur anytime the coachee is available- before/ after school, during planning time, release time, professional learning time, etc.
Frequency
Coaching duration typically lasts 6-8 weeks and includes meetings up to twice per week and classroom support once every 1-2 weeks. Teachers can participate in the coaching process multiple times throughout the year.
Where
The EL coach will meet with the coachee wherever it is most convenient for them, including in their school building, on Zoom, or an alternate location.
Join us for a full day of learning on October 12th. Sign up for both, Els and Special Ed. in the morning and EL Connect in the afternoon, and we will provide you lunch in between.
ELs and Special Education: Using the Tools for Separating Difference from Disability
Wednesday, Oct. 12th, 8:30-11:30am
13565 Port Sheldon Street
Holland, MI
Description:
English Learners are the fastest growing student group in the U.S. Across Michigan, districts are over- and under- identifying English Learners as students with disabilities. It is likely that you will be called upon to problem solve about an English Learner with learning difficulties.
We will be utilizing the MDE and Oakland Separating Difference from Disability models.
Bring a team and come learn how to use the tools embedded in the Oakland PD and participate in case studies or bring your own student information to work with.
3 SCECHs
EL Connect
Wednesday, Oct. 12th, 1-3pm
13565 Port Sheldon Street
Holland, MI
Description:
EL Connect is a collaborative and supportive group of EL teachers, specialists, and coordinators serving our multilingual students and families throughout West Michigan. This group comes together throughout the year to grow and share expertise around both technical and adaptive challenges unique to EL Programs in a variety of contexts.
This will include a book study on the topic of working with Newcomers.
Supporting Newcomer Students: Advocacy and Instruction for English Learners
by Katharine Davies Samway (Author), Lucinda Pease-Alvarez (Author), Laura Alvarez (Author)
Ongoing series:
In person: 1pm-3pm
Wednesday, Oct. 12th
Tuesday, Jan. 24th
Virtual: 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday, Nov. 16th
Wednesday, April 19th
Cost:
$30 for the book (purchase optional)
6 SCECHs
Talking Points Language Translation App.
A few quick facts about Talking Points:
- Free to teachers
- Translates into over 100 different languages
- Families receive translated messages on their smartphones as a text message
- Families can text you back in any language and you will receive the message in English
- Families never see the teacher's phone number.
Kent ISD Offering
Refugee 101 & 201: What Schools Need to Know
West Michigan has been a major hub for refugee resettlement for decades and continues to welcome large numbers of new neighbors into our communities and schools. Sessions are offered in person and virtually with Hannah from the Refugee Education Center (fall 2022 and February 2023).
101: This session is geared toward school staff looking to learn the basics of how students arrive in our classrooms, and how to help them feel welcomed and ready for success. Topics covered include the refugee resettlement process, community supports for integration, and essential tips for creating a welcoming environment for new students.
Register - 10/25/22 @ 10am (in person) or 1pm (virtual)
Register - 02/07/23 @ 10am (in person) or 1pm (virtual)
201: This session is geared toward school staff who have experience working with refugee children and want a deeper understanding of the refugee resettlement process and community supports for integration. This session will also include a deep discussion of major barriers refugee students face in education and ways we can work to ease those barriers.
Register - 11/08/22 @ 10am (in person) or 1pm (virtual)
Register - 02/21/23 @ 10am (in person) or 1pm (virtual)