Jane and George have been called “the most active parent advocates in St. Paul Public Schools that I have ever seen”. As parents of Karen SLIFE students, Jane and George have been unyielding in their advocacy for the needs of SLIFE kids in St. Paul. George co-chairs the St. Paul KPAC (Karen Parent Advisory Council), a group that is actively advocating for Karen students in the school district by educating teachers and district administration about Karen culture, language, and educational needs. Jane is the sole parent on the MN Department of Education ELSIG (English Learner Stakeholder Input Group), where she provides parent perspective and continually gives voice to the needs of SLIFE kids. She attends countless district meetings, from School Board Public Comment, to School Board Member town halls, Parent Teacher Association meetings, English Learner’s Professional Issues Committee meetings, and many others, and is an outspoken voice demanding adequate EL resources and programming. Jane and George are on the forefront of the struggle to meet the educational needs of SLIFE students in St. Paul. They embody the vision and mission of MinneTESOL work, and they deserve our recognition and gratitude.
