Tools for Teachers by Laurah J

I am currently an ESOL coach for my district, working with both ESOL and mainstream teachers to help them differentiate and improve the quality of their instruction for English language learners.
I currently work in Maryland, but spent several years teaching in North Carolina, and I completed my student teaching in Tennessee as well. During my career, I have worked with students in grades K-8, though most of my attention has been focused on the upper grades, 4-8.
A large part of my job consists of providing professional development courses, workshops, and focus groups for teachers in my district. I have been invited to Busan, S. Korea, twice to conduct 2 week teacher training seminars on Content Based English Instruction for English language learners, and I am SIOP trained. I also love presenting at conferences, and have presented at SDE, WIDA 2015 and TESOL 2016.

I am very passionate about my job and working with teachers to help ELLs. When I was in the classroom, I spent hours at home planning lessons and creating materials to use in my classroom. Many of my materials were originally designed for use in the ESL classroom, however, they can easily be used or adapted for use in the mainstream classroom by students of every ability level.
My teaching style is very laid back. My students and the teachers that I work with now always count on a fun and engaging time when they come to my classes! I believe in plenty of hands-on activities and opportunities to discuss the content.
In my ESOL classes, I believed very highly in the value of reading and literacy, and worked hard to impress it upon my students as well. I also believe in the value of literacy across the content areas. I have many products in my store for each subject area, as well as several that are interdisciplinary. Products in my store are all aligned with CCSS and WIDA ELD standards.

Summa Cum Laude, Master of Science
Teacher of the Month
Google Certified Educator, Levels 1 and 2
Certified Google for Education Trainer
Certified Google for Education Innovator

M.S. in Foreign Language and ESL Education from University of Tennessee, 2008
B.A. in Journalism and Spanish from Carson-Newman College, 2006

I am a native of Knoxville, TN.
Don't miss my blog, The ESOL Odyssey!