EAL Teacher Interview Report

Linda Mitchell is the English as an Additional Language Coordinator for Regina Public Schools. Linda presented information on the changes and developments of the EAL program. Currently, all Regina Public elementary schools have EAL teaching and learning supports and 7 out of 8 high schools have EAL teachers and supports. Linda started her presentation by emphasizing how much immigration has grown. She gave the statistic that 22% of students attending Regina Public Schools are EAL. These students receive support from an LRT or an EAL teacher in the school. Linda spent a fair amount of time talking about the teaching and learning supports for EAL students such as settlement worker support, translator support, and assessment and placement recommendations which are all offered at the Newcomer Welcome Centre. She told many stories about experiences she’s had with her own students learning about winter clothing as well as a trip to the hospital. She mentioned that there are three major types of newcomers who are in the EAL program. The 3 types are immigrants, refugees, and nominees. Each of these categories presents unique

As a becoming teacher, it is very important for me to know about the supports and resources for EAL students which I will have the opportunity of teaching. As a teacher, I will try to be open to learning about different cultures and try to learn about the student’s background. I will also make sure that I am differentiating my teaching methods to make sure all students understand. I did not know about the Common Framework Reference (CFR) and how it is used to benchmark EAL student’s learning and English level. Something that I had never really thought about was the culture shock curve and how it affects students. During all the large ups and downs that the student will experience, it is important for them to have support especially in their first couple of