Methods Offered to Teach ESL

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Photo by Nancy Stephan

Marla H. Ramirez, Ed. D

   The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that by 2020 the predominant minority majority will be Hispanics, which make up 50 percent of the minority population.

  Professor Marla Ramirez offers students the opportunity to learn more about the methods available to simplify teaching ESL (English as Second Language) during a workshop Nov. 14, 9 a.m. - noon in the UAM Library Conference Room A. Anyone interested in attending the workshop may call to make a reservation at 460-1237 ext: 3110.

   Ramirez began teaching at the University of Arkansas at Monticello in August 2005 as an assistant professor for the school of Education. She currently teaches graduate and undergraduate courses.

   Helping the School of Education staff with writing a program proposal became one of her main projects.

   "Through the (Education Renewal Zone) it has become evident that the Hermitage School District has increased its ESL population in recent years as 25 percent do not know English," Ramirez said.

   Ramirez works with the state’s "No Child Left Behind" Grant to secure funds to help area teachers with ESL. If the grant goes through, better training for teachers will be provided. While visiting area schools recently in Monticello, Warren, and Hermitage, Ramirez recognized the growing ESL population.

    "UAM wants to initiate programs (which) will meet the needs of diverse learners by training future teachers and assist those already teaching in the schools," Ramirez said.

   She anticipates that the need for ESL will grow in the 14 school districts in the Southeast Arkansas region.

   Ramirez graduated from Texas A&M University at Kingsville where she received her bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies, her master’s in Education Administration and her doctorate in Education Leadership.

   She taught math and science in the fifth and sixth grade middle school in Sarita, Texas. She served as the ESL coordinator for 800 participating students in Garden City, Kan. at the Garden City Community College. She served as an adjunct professor for Fort Hayes States University, Fort Hayes, Kan. and acted as independent consultant for the state’s Early Intervention Program, "First Step," in Indianapolis, Ind.

  Ramirez’s family includes her husband Trey and their two sons, 7-year-old Sam and 4-year-old Peter.

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