On Thursday, January 23, 2025, Assistant Professor Ali Turner led a professional development workshop for English language teachers from Raleigh Parks and Recreation. The session focused on implementing TESOL’s Six Principles for Exemplary Teaching of English Learners in the classroom. Graduate students in the MA program with concentration in TESOL—Paula Dechima, Meghanne Brunsink, and Jocelyn Hughes—assisted in facilitating discussions and modeling practical classroom applications.
Twelve community English language teachers participated in the workshop, gaining hands-on strategies to enhance their instruction. These educators will share the insights and techniques with volunteer teachers at their respective sites, extending the workshop’s impact. Raleigh Parks and Recreation offers a variety of English language classes throughout the community. Providing accessible English language classes for newcomers is essential to our community, and training educators for these opportunities is just as critical. The faculty and graduate students in NC State’s Department of World Languages and Cultures are proud to support this mission.
Tierney Sneeringer, Cultural Outreach and Enrichment Manager, reported, “Since the first training with Dr. Turner in August 2023, our English teachers have been asking for her to return! Dr. Turner and her students’ recent professional development class provided resources to help our teachers better support language acquisition and incorporate fun in their classes —creating a welcoming environment for their students. This growing partnership shows how closely intertwined our work is in strengthening both language skills and community bonds.” To learn more about these programs and how to get involved, visit the Cultural Outreach and Enrichment Program site for Raleigh Parks and Recreation.
