NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For Allen Samuels CDJR Teacher of the Month Shannon Stuckert, teaching English as a Second Language in Hutchinson Middle School-7 and Hutchinson Middle School-8 is still a rewarding job day to day and there is one language that can bring her students all together, even if their languages at home are different.
"Lots of laughter," Stuckert said. "Students communicate with their facial expressions and even though one student may not be able to speak another student's language, things can occur in the classroom that can be very hilarious. That's the best part of teaching, I think, is when everyone starts giggling about something."
It can be a challenge for children coming in at the middle school level who have learned to speak another language at home and for whom English is new.
"There's different approaches that we use at the middle school level," Stuckert said. "It's mainly engaging students and giving them some hands on experiences and even learning the culture of being in the United States."
Stuckert has been in teaching for 33 years and this is her 25th year in USD 308.
"About 20 years ago, I was working on my master's degree and doing research, primarily in English as a Second Language and I was asked by administrators at that time to create and help to implement a district-wide program, so now, we're able to serve students that are learning English as their second language in every building in USD 308."
Stuckert's goal is to give her students enough English skill to allow them to succeed in their regular academic classes.
"I teach our students English," Stuckert said. "I focus on the four domains of reading in English, writing in English, listening in English and speaking in English, but I also offer support for their core classes."
Stuckert has also previously taught adult education classes for USD 308 and for Newman University in Wichita for teachers seeking their ESOL endorsement.
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