Eunice Nyagaka and Winnie Masanya
The 2024 English Language Educators Conference themed ‘Welcoming refugees into our schools and communities’ was held on 28th March at Missouri State University. Participants included English language educators, refugee administrators, and various stakeholders involved in refugee and immigrant programs throughout the state of Missouri. The keynote speaker, Dr. Don Vu, has 25 years of experience as an elementary school teacher and principal. Having personally encountered the hurdles of language and cultural adaptation after fleeing Vietnam with his family in 1975, he deeply comprehends the struggles children undergo in such transitions. His book, “Life, Literacy, and the Pursuit of Happiness,” serves as a rallying cry for educators aiming to foster a culture of reading in schools, empowering all students, particularly immigrant and refugee children, in their pursuit of the American dream.
Dr. Vu’s presentation underscored the six essential conditions for cultivating a reading culture, with a particular focus on refugees and immigrants from non-English speaking backgrounds. These conditions encompassed educator and learner commitment to English learning, fostering compassion for newcomers navigating language barriers, engaging in diverse book discussions, and providing a rich and varied book collection to promote reading. Notably, the “6Cs” framework emphasized building connections and celebrating learners’ progress along their educational journey.
The panel discussion based on policy and services for newcomers after the main presentation included Dr. Vu, Rebekah Thomas (International Institute of Southwest Missouri), Shawn Cockrum (Missouri Office of Refugee Administration), and Tammy Goucher (Director of ELD). The panel focused on establishing a safe environment where the newcomers feel safe in the communities and schools. The importance of providing them with tools, and skills and coming up with activities to help them with struggles while at school make the environment look more familiar and easily adaptable.
During the afternoon, several informative sessions focused on including refugees in learning programs, with a particular emphasis on teaching English as a second language. The speakers provided not only valuable insights into how refugees become integrated with the various learning programs available in the state of Missouri but also practical strategies on how educators can create inclusive and supportive environments to help them thrive.
Kari Hoggard of Convoy of Hope discussed intercultural competence through language education. The afternoon breakout session discussions shared informative tips and tactics for instructing English Language Learners. They focused on the foundations of reading and provided detailed strategies for enhancing teaching and reading skills. The insights were valuable for educators seeking to improve their skills when working with students learning English as a second language.
Our very own program, The Family Welcome Program (FWP), was also featured and gave insights on how to maneuver such programs. A variety of stories and experiences were shared by immigrants and refugees, shedding light on their unique experiences.
As the conference concluded, the educators were inspired and equipped to empower all students, regardless of background, in their pursuit of academic success and integration into their new communities.