Effective Partnerships for International Languages and English as a Second Language Educators

Teachers of International Languages and English as a Second Language too often work in isolation from one another and with few mechanisms for communication among each other.  IL and ESL educators need to be united along with all language educators but in particular must be united in serving the needs of new Canadian pupils who are learning English (in Ontario) as well as keeping up their knowledge and use of the first language.  Why build bridges?  Here are a few reasons:

• first language assessment to aid in the placement of English language learners
• information on languages of English language learners and their structures and patterns (interlanguage studies) can help to give insight into specific difficulties for various speakers of English
• community contacts for guest speakers and supporters for both IL and ESL programs
• important roles in anti-racist policy-planning
• advocates for each other’s programs
• cultural information for thematic units or professional development
• linguistic and cultural interpretation/culture shock reduction
• sharing of language teaching methodologies and strategies
• availability of first language texts and resources for any classroom
• information sharing of student’s L1 (first language) and L2 (second language) development