Bryant’s Shinn named 2021 ESOL Coordinator of the Year
Bryant Public Schools’s ESOL Coordinator, Dawn Shinn, was recently honored with the 2021 ESOL Coordinator of the Year award from Arkansas Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages.
The state organization recognizes the contributions made from outstanding educators in the teaching and learning of English as an additional language in Arkansas.
“Being recognized as
ESOL Coordinator of the
Year is a tremendous honor. I know this award was only possible because of our amazing ESOL team, supportive administration, and dedicated classroom teachers. Earning this award is nice, but the biggest reward is when I visit a classroom and see our
English learners making great progress,” said Shinn.
Over the past five years, Bryant Schools has seen an increase in the English learner population and as a product of that growth, the program has evolved. The district now offers a comprehensive set of services for students, teachers and parents including a partnership with Saline County Adult Education to offer free English classes for parents. Through a grant, the ESOL team has purchased items to create “Welcome Kits” for newly enrolled immigrant students.
English for Speakers of
Other Languages services are provided at all levels in Bryant Schools. The K-5 level has dedicated time in the school day to provide systematic English language development classes for limited English speaking students.
At the 6-12 level, sheltered content classes for nonenglish speaking newcomer students are offered which provide the benefit of learning content while also having linguistic support from a co-teacher or a bilingual classroom paraprofessional. These classes are critical to preparing students for college and career readiness.
In addition to sheltered classes, the high school also created a bilingual mentorship program where a fully bilingual student joins these sheltered classes and helps immigrant students acculturate to their new life in the United States.
The district has focused on preparing its teachers to support English learners by providing professional development opportunities to increase their ability to scaffold instruction for English learners.
Shinn is dedicated to growing and improving Bryant’s program to support English learners in its school and community. The overall focus continues to be providing equitable access to a meaningful education for the district’s language minority families.
“Mrs. Shinn is a strong advocate for her students and the district is so fortunate to have her as part of our Bryant team,” a news release said.