RBERNing Questions
RBERNing Questions is a professional learning podcast, produced by Mid-State RBERN, where we answer your most compelling questions about teaching, serving, and supporting multilingual learners. We connect teachers and leaders of English Language Learners (ELLs) and Multilingual Learners (MLs) with experts in our field who will address timely and specific questions relating to instructional practices, teacher collegiality, and outreach to students and their families.
If you are a K-12 educator, to receive CTLE credit for listening to this podcast, go to our website: https://midstaterbern.org/2023-2024-podcasts/.
To find out more about the Mid-State RBERN team, visit https://midstaterbern.org/who-we-are/.
RBERNing Questions
Creating a Multilingual, Multiage Summer Program that Shines with Monica Baker
Episode Summary:
In this episode, join Monica Baker on an educational summer experience that is anything but your traditional summer school. How can you bring together multilingual learners ranging in age from 3 to 16 in an atmosphere that cultivates support, engagement, leadership and a thriving classroom community dynamic? Ms. Baker has the answer! Listen in as she breaks down the specifics of her multilingual, multiage summer program and talks about the celebration of multilingualism. She says, “When we shift our mindset away from what feels safe & comfortable as educators… and put ourselves out there and just try, that’s where those connections form that are so positive.”
RBERNing Questions for this episode:
1- How did you come up with the concept for your multiage project based summer program for MLLs?
2- What are the main benefits of this program?
3- Is this project easy to implement for other teachers of ELLs?
Guest Bio:
Monica Baker has been an English as a New Language teacher in the Hudson Valley for 18 years. She is a Past President of NYS TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages). She holds national board certification and was a recipient of the 2022 Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award. Monica is active in TESOL International, currently serving as Chair-Elect for the Membership Professional Council. She is the Executive Vice President of the Webutuck Teachers' Association, an instructor with NYSUT (NYS United Teachers) Education and Learning Trust, and has served on the ENL subject area committee for NYSUT. She is also the Chair of the Mid Hudson Teacher Center Policy Board. In these union roles, Monica advocates for colleagues as well as students to ensure that NYS public schools are safe and effective learning environments for ALL students.
Resources:
Websites/Social Media/Contact
https://www.facebook.com/msmonicabaker/
Email: monbabo@gmail.com
Publications
Empowering the Voices of Young Multilingual Learners in the ESL Classroom
Multilingual Learners in Rural NY
https://brill.com/display/book/9789004549647/BP000016.xml
One Room Schoolhouse
https://nysut.docsend.com/view/qceixmsptn5925gi
To find out more about Mid-State RBERN at OCM BOCES' services, listen to season 1 of the show with host Collette Farone-Goodwin, or to receive CTLE credit for listening to episodes, click here: https://midstaterbern.org/