July 3, 2024 – Afghanistan. Honduras. Mexico. Haiti. They’re just some of the nations represented among the Team Duval students participating in the district’s English for Speakers of Other Languages, or ESOL, Summer Maintenance Program.
“I just like the program because it gives them an opportunity to use their voice,” says second grade teacher Leah Teuschel. “This is more of a safe space for them.”
For six weeks, ESOL students in grades K-12 participate in enriching and engaging learning opportunities geared toward sharpening their English-language skills.
“The end goal is for those students to feel confident enough in their English speaking and communication abilities,” says fourth grade teacher Rose Morgan. “So that when they’re out of the classroom, they feel confident enough to use those English skills that they’re learning no matter where they are.”
Our Team Duval News video crew recently visited classes at Kings Trail Elementary, one of seven schools hosting the program. Watch the video above to see learning in action and to hear from teachers who can attest to the program’s success.
