English as a New Language (ENL)

Department Member

ENL Coordinator / Teacher 

Maria Guillen (mguillen3@schools.nyc.gov)

Staff Directory

English as a New Language Vision Statement

Empowering every Multilingual Learner (MLL) to achieve academic excellence, linguistic and personal growth through inclusive, innovative, and engaging language instruction. We envision a learning environment where students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds are supported in their journey to become confident, proficient, and active participants in their educational community and beyond."

Key Objectives:

  1. Inclusivity and Support:Foster a welcoming and supportive environment that recognizes and values the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of each student, ensuring equitable access to educational resources and opportunities.
  2. Academic Excellence:Provide rigorous and relevant language instruction that equips students with the skills needed to excel academically across all subjects, with a focus on critical thinking, effective communication, and academic writing.
  3. Personal Growth:Promote personal and social development by encouraging self-expression, cultural exchange, and the development of leadership and interpersonal skills.
  4. Innovative Practices: Implement cutting-edge teaching methods and technological tools to enhance language acquisition and engagement, tailoring instruction to meet the individual needs and learning styles of each student.
  5. Community Engagement:Build strong partnerships with families, educators, and the broader community to support student learning and development, fostering a collaborative approach to education.
  6. Continuous Improvement:Commit to ongoing professional development for staff, incorporating feedback and research-based practices to continually refine and improve instructional strategies and student outcomes.

English as a New Language Department Students Goals

  1. Attain grade-level proficiency in core academic subjects, including reading, writing, math, and science, by developing strong English language skills.
  2. Improve spoken and written English communication skills to confidently participate in class discussions, presentations, and written assignments.
  3.  Build understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, both within the classroom and the broader school community.
  4. Cultivate meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging within the school community by actively engaging in extracurricular activities and forming connections with peers.
  5. Develop skills and strategies for post-secondary education and career readiness, including college applications, job searches, and career exploration.

English Language Learner and Multi Lingual Learner Parent Resources:

  1. A Guide for Parents of English Language Learners and Multilingual Learners in New York State (https://www.nysed.gov/bilingual-ed/guide-parents-english-language-learners-and-multilingual-learners-new-york-state) 
  2. The Rights of Multilingual Learner and English Language Learner Parents, Guardians, and Other Caregivers under the Every Student Succeeds Act (https://www.nysed.gov/bilingual-ed/rights-multilingual-learner-and-english-language-learner-parents-guardians-and-other )
  3. Parents' Bill of Rights for New York State's English Language Learners and Multilingual Learners & ELL Parent Hotline (https://www.nysed.gov/bilingual-ed/parents-bill-rights-new-york-states-english-language-learners-and-multilingual-learners )
  4. NYSITELL and NYSESLAT Parent Guides (https://www.nysed.gov/bilingual-ed/nysitell-and-nyseslat-parent-guides )
  5. Parent Informational Video: Dual Language and Transitional Bilingual Education Programs in New York State (https://www.nysed.gov/bilingual-ed/parent-informational-video-dual-language-and-transitional-bilingual-education-programs )
  6. Parent Orientation Video: English Language Learner (ELL) Programs in New York State (https://nysed.gov/bilingual-ed/parent-orientation-video-english-language-learner-ell-programs-new-york-state )
  7. Participating in Your Child's Education (https://www.nysed.gov/bilingual-ed/participating-your-childs-education )
  8. Roadmap to College for English Language Learners and Multilingual Learners (https://www.nysed.gov/bilingual-ed/roadmap-college )