Chrissi Cawthon, State ESL Educator of the Year

(Continued from District Digest)

Chrissi: Every summer, I attend the curriculum department's "Plano Writing Leadership Academy." Even though I'm not officially enrolled, I just go and sit at the back of the room and soak it all in. I learn so much from the curriculum coordinators and teachers every year.

Digest: How have you contributed to the district-wide ESL curriculum?

Chrissi: "The Writer's Notebook" is a curriculum guide that I've written and updated for teachers across the district. It provides teachers with authentic teaching tips so that students are engaged in authentic learning. It's all about grabbing and keeping the students' interest. "The Reader's Diary" is a guide that I wrote for book club readers that is a companion to the The Writer's Notebook.

Digest: How do you inspire your students?

Chrissi: Our ESL students at Carpenter get to take field trips to places like art museums, the Dallas World Aquarium, King Tut exhibit, out to eat at a restaurant...these are authentic learning experiences in which they can use their English skills in a real world setting. The students lead school-wide fundraisers to fund these trips because they are so important to them.

Digest: What other unique learning activities do your students enjoy?

Chrissi: Brain-based research tells us that students need breaks in between lessons, so we have what's called "3-minute brain breaks." We may dance the Cuban Shuffle. We may have a question/answer activity in which the students have to pair up with someone who speaks a different language. They have to answer the question in English. My students also enjoy reading on floor pillows, at a desk or whatever other reading method that suits their learning style.

Digest: Who are your inspirations?

Chrissi: My mother taught at my high school in Carrollton. Her strength is classroom management...She's a role model and mentor for kids. I want to be the same for my students. I believe that students do need to "like" their teachers. Our relationship is built on mutual respect. I'm not here to be their friend, but I want to be their best resource. They might whine and complain, but they want me to proud of them. And I am!

Digest: Do you have any other role models?

Chrissi: An amazing role model and resource for me is my mother-in-law, Marsha Cawthon (Plano Senior High School English Department team leader). She has so many great ideas. And my ESL teammates at Carpenter: Megan McSherry and Linda Scott. We split team leader duties, since we have so much to accomplish. And, Lisa Thibodeaux and Libby DeLeon in the curriculum department. They are truly gifted.

Digest: What is the greatest indicator that students enjoy ESL at Carpenter Middle School?

Chrissi: They don't want to "exit." Even when they've mastered the essential knowledge and skills of the ESL curriculum, they want to stay in ESL because of the relationships they've built in the program.

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