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Talawanda program grows with increasing number of English language learning students

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By Kean Bartelman, Contributing Writer 6:11 PM Tuesday, November 24, 2009

It was less than five years ago when Linda Bucher first stepped into Kramer Elementary School as a tutor for the newly emerging English as a Second Language (ESL) program.

With less than 10 students initially, Bucher dedicated 10 hours a week to helping students learn to read, write and speak English.

Since her first year, Bucher has witnessed, firsthand, the influx of foreign students in the Talawanda School District and the high demand for qualified ESL teachers.

As a result of this unparalleled growth, the Talawanda School District has expanded its English as a Second Language staff to four full-time staff members including: Irma Robinson, Pam Termeer and Teresa Woodin, as well as two tutors, both of whom teaching two hours a week.

With nearly 100 students coming from 24 different countries including Russia, Finland, Bulgaria, Kenya, Nigeria, Ecuador and China, just to name a few, there is quite a range of native languages in Talawanda’s ESL program.

“The program is very unique because of Miami,” Bucher said. “Of the 93 enrolled students, the large majority are of Asian descent, all of whom speak Mandarin Chinese.”

Although most of Talawanda’s ESL students are native speakers of Mandarin Chinese, the program also offers outlets to students of other native languages, such as the Spanish Linguistics partnership that is held with Miami, and headed by Eva Rodriguez Gonzalez.

But even with the varied backgrounds of the ESL students, Bucher and her staff try to ensure that every student feels comfortable, regardless of their skill level, and most of all, are motivated to learn.

“The program is merely an extension of the classroom, aimed at helping students to read and write English” Bucher said. “The students want to learn, and the parents value education. It makes my job the best job in the world.”

After less than five years in the Talawanda School District, the English as a Second Language program has come into its own, offering a tight-knit community for non-native English speaking students, and parents alike.

Currently, Bucher sees nearly 100 students a week, 61 of which are her students at Kramer Elementary. “My ESL students are really embraced by the other students,” said Bucher, “which is really cool.”

“Like I said, I have the best job in the world.”

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