English Language Learners Department (ELL)
Students benefit from a content-based approach to lesson planning and delivery. Language and content instruction are integrated so that students develop academic knowledge and skills in specific content areas at the same time as they develop their language skills.
MEET YOUR TEACHERS
- Dirk CastroESL TeacherDirk CastroESL Teacher
Undergrad: Furman University Greenville, South Carolina Biology & Spanish
Masters:Â University of Arizona, Latin American Studies with concentrations in Portuguese and Geography
Additional Education: University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, teaching degree
Why did you choose to work at Sullivan?
I wanted to teach Spanish and Bilingual Science. At the time, Sullivan had a bilingual program because of the huge Spanish speaking population. I also taught Spanish for Spanish Speakers and A,P, Spanish with a strong literature component. Sullivan also had a strong French program so I was motivated to get endorsed in French. I really enjoyed the French classes that I taught after I got my endorsement!Why is the Student-Teacher relationship so important?
It is important to build a community of learners, At Sullivan we all learn from each other since we all come from such diverse backgrounds.What is one word that gives you strength as an educator everyday?
Patience - Kendra JohnsonEnglish Teacher, SEL AdvisoryKendra JohnsonEnglish Teacher, SEL Advisory
Undergrad: Northeastern Illinois University
Why did you choose to work at Sullivan?
I choose to teach at Sullivan because it is my first school home where the range of diversity among students, culturally and academically, challenges me to be purposely reflective and cooperative in the mission to graduate productive citizens.Why is the Student-Teacher relationship so important?
In my opinion, Student-Teacher/staff "relationships" are important because they are the foundation of a tacit request for accountability, integrity, and tenacity of all stakeholders. Forming "relationships" with the aforementioned in mind seems make one more susceptible to engagement, hearing, feeling, and willing to persevere in the (learning) process.What is one word that gives you strength as an educator everyday?
Faith Undergrad: Loyola University, History and Spanish
Masters: University of Illinois at Chicago-Anthropology and Museum Studies
Why did you choose to teach at Sullivan?
I enjoy teaching and building relationships with our EL population. I am a EL myself so supporting their needs is my life's work.Why is the Student-Teacher relationship so important?
A teacher can be more effective in teaching academic subjects while supporting students emotional and learning needs.What is one word that gives you strength as an educator everyday?
HopeUndergrad: Columbia College - Chicago, Creative Writing & Musical Theater; Northeastern Illinois University, English, Secondary Ed, TESL
Masters:Â Northeastern Illinois University, Linguistics
Why did you choose to work at Sullivan?
This school knows their students and is working toward teaching and learning for their students' needs. Their methods are proven to be effective and may be the pilot program for English Language Learners in the CPS network. Education in Chicago has many obstacles--I'm very happy to be a part of a real solution.Why is the Student-Teacher relationship so important?
The student-teacher relationship is so important because people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. If students don't first trust the adults leading their education, they won't engage and won't learn. The relationships with our students are the catalyst to their becoming lifelong learners.What is one word that gives you strength as an educator everyday?
Kids