*** 2008 Grants for MinneTESOL Members ***

MinneTESOL invites members to submit proposals for the 2008 grant awards. Up to $500.00 is available to members to support important work in ESL being done around the state. Consider submitting a proposal in one of the following categories:

* ELL Instruction or Program Development
* Student Development and Achievement
* Family Involvement or Literacy
* Professional Development
* Community Awareness
* Other ideas?

Priority will be given to fund innovative projects that promise the most benefit to learners, teachers or programs.

Deadline for applications is May 10, 2008!


For more information, visit the MinneTESOL website:

www.minnetesol.org

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Elementary Interest Section Meeting: Newcomer Focus

This year the elementary interest section meeting will be focused on newcomers. We will be hearing from several teachers who work with newcomers as well as sharing some ideas that you can take back to your classroom to use with newcomers. There will be a time to network with colleagues and ask questions of the panel.

Join us on Saturday, April 19 from 10:30-12:30 at the Eden Prairie Public Library (just off Highway 212). RSVP to Clair at clairjuly@yahoo.com by April 16 so we can plan for refreshments and handouts.

Directions to the library can be found at this link: www.hclb.org/?AgenciesAction.cfm?agency=EP

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MinneTESOL Gives Input to Board of Teaching

Debbie Hadas and Nancy Drescher as MinneTESOL representatives attended 2 meetings of the Minnesota Board of Teaching Reading Task Force last fall and drafted a statement supporting the proposed Minnesota Reading Standards for the Preparation and Continued Development of Educators. In March Debbie and Nancy drafted another statement that opposed 2 proposed bills before the legislature that failed to address the many important aspects involved in teaching reading and fell short with regard to the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students.

On March 17 Debbie Hadas and Rosie Sharkey attended a Reading Task Force meeting where the proposed rule recommendations were presented. Input from MinneTESOL was requested and encouraged. A second meeting will be held March 31.

Submitted by Rosemary Sharkey, MinneTESOL President

UPCOMING CONFERENCES

MinneTESOL Fall Conference: SAVE THE DATE!

The 2008 Fall MinneTESOL Conference will be November 7-8 at the University of St. Thomas in downtown Minneapolis. Please mark your calendars, and plan to join us!

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Iowa-Missouri Fall Conference

Save the Date: Our neighbors to the south, Iowa and Missouri (MIDTESOL) will be having a fall conference at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. The conference dates are October 17-18.

The conference chair is Katya Koubek (Koubek@bvu.edu).

Storm Lake is in northwestern Iowa. Here is a link for driving directions to BVU.
http://www.bvu.edu/living_at_bvu/driving_directions.dot

MIDTESOL conferences are professionally rewarding and enjoyable. TESOL professionals from all areas (K-12, IEPs, adult ed, etc.) are encouraged to attend. You need not be a member of MIDTESOL nor a resident of Iowa or Missouri to attend – out-of-state colleagues are most welcome to attend the conference!

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Volunteer Tutors Needed

Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Basic Education needs and welcomes classroom assistants/tutors. Volunteer once a week, M-F, in a class conducted by a licensed teacher. Students are highly motivated and eager for more help.

Time: Morning, afternooon, or evening?many different volunteer positions open, including Basic Math ESL tutor, ESL Classroom Assistant, ESL Individual Tutor, ESL Conversation Coach, and ESL Reading and Pronunciation Coach.

Locations:
Lehmann Center
1006 W Lake St 55408

Uptown
Broadway Community School
1250 W Broadway 55411 No. Mpls

Information: Ellen Lipschultz (612) 668-3984 Ellen.Lipschultz@mpls.k12.mn.us

Application: http://commed.mpls.k12.mn.us/Apply_Online.html


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JOBS

Posting:
ESL Teachers Needed in MPS Adult Basic Education Program

The Lehmann Center's Adult Basic Education Program, located at 1006 W. Lake St, is looking for an evening hourly ESL teacher and for evening reserve teachers. Classes run from 6:30 - 9 p.m from Monday through Thursday (the positions are often shared). If you are interested in applying for this position, e-mail your resume and letter of interest to Paul Enestvedt (paul.enestvedt@mpls.k12.mn.us). A current Minnesota teaching license or Adult Basic Education license is required.

Preferred qualifications include prior experience teaching English to adults; previous experience and training in Adult Basic Education; fluency in a second language; and must demonstrate an ability to interact effectively with people of diverse backgrounds. Hourly pay is $25. Prep time is provided as well.


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ESL Teacher needed in Brooklyn Park and Lake Elmo, MN

Pay: Negotiable (Based on tutor's qualifications and experience)

About the Company:
Global LT, Ltd. provides foreign language training, cross-cultural training, relocation assistance, translation services, and interpretation services to a multitude of highly respected global corporations. Visit us on the web at www.Global-LT.com for more information about the company.

Global LT, Ltd. hires tutors on a part-time basis. Tutors are responsible for providing an individualized program based on the goals and needs of each student. Course descriptions and materials are provided. The time commitment will likely be 5-15 hrs/week. The lessons should focus on conversation techniques, vocabulary, and grammar. Ideal candidates will have a passion for language and have their own transportation.