This is a collaborative committee between the union, MCEA and the ESOL Division Administration of MCPS. As the Chair, I lead the committee to discuss and bring attention to the many issues that our ESOL teachers face that ultimately affect the education of our LEP students.

WHITEHOUSE: Building Long Lasting Relationships

At first, I taught in schools that were very diverse and had large populations of ESOL students.

WHITEHOUSE: Building Long Lasting Relationships

Ultimately, by working with my ESOL students, their families, the community, the union, and the school system, I have the opportunity to influence the lives of these young children, our future leaders.

WHITEHOUSE: Building Long Lasting Relationships

Then in 2005, I accepted a position with the Montgomery County Public School system (MCPS) as an ESOL Teacher at Lois P.

WHITEHOUSE: Building Long Lasting Relationships

In the six years since I have taught there, Rockwell Elementary and the surrounding community have seen tremendous growth in diversity with the ESOL population growing ten-fold and the Hispanic population more than quadrupling.

WHITEHOUSE: Building Long Lasting Relationships