Creating an ESL Program in Rural Colorado: Challenges for a First-Year Teacher

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 29
  In Roundtable Session: Responsive Approaches to Supporting English Learner Students in P–12 Contexts

Abstract

We present research findings on a project focused on understanding challenges faced by an English as a Second Language (ESL) coordinator in a highly rural school located in eastern Colorado. Using a sociopolitical framework, “Ms. H” described challenges associated with initiating an ESL program at her school related to scheduling, teachers’ lack of understanding of CLD students’ language needs, and the time required to translate materials into Spanish. She also discussed deficit perspectives held by teachers and how teachers resisted changes such as collaborating with her and the ESL program. Some of this resistance could be attributed to a school culture that was not particularly collaborative and was unwilling to change to accommodate the needs of CLD learners.

Authors

• Janet Lear, University of Denver

• Richard Kitchen, University of Wyoming