What drew you to your current position?
My experience as an English language learner inspired me to become an ESL teacher. I have a deep understanding of the challenges my students must overcome to be successful in school.
How do you use writing or art in your life?
I use writing as a way to share my personal experiences as an immigrant and as an English language learner. I also write to share my journey as an ESL teacher. With my writing, I can inspire students and encourage them to share their stories. As an educator, I share methods and ideas that support English language learners in classrooms all across the country.
What lessons and/or teachings from your family, home and/or community do you draw on in your teaching – or the work you do in schools?
My journey as an unaccompanied minor who immigrated from Guatemala to the United States just to be reunited with her mother affords me a great experience to embrace my culture and my identity. These experiences help me encourage my students, with a similar immigrant experience, to embrace their journey and share with the world.
My experience as an English language learner affords me the knowledge to provide educators a much greater understanding of how to better serve their students.
What would you tell your younger self?
I will tell my younger self to love and embrace identity, culture, and language. I would tell her that who she is IS CORE to empower her classroom, school, community, and society. To never give up. To never look down. Hold your head up!
What do you want the world to know?
I want the world to know that each and every individual has assets & potential that needs to be highlighted & recognized. I would like the world to know that cultures, multi-language, and multi-culture make the world a better place.
Something else you want to share?
I’d like to speak to all immigrant students here in the USA — I want them to know that WHO they are, the language they speak, and their family background is core to everything that they will accomplish in life. Learn to love yourself and learn to empower others with diverse back to do the same. Sí Se Puede!
Social Media:
Twitter: @emilyfranESL
Instagram: @Mrs.francisESL
Facebook: Mrs.Francis’ESLclass
Somos Escritoras | Writing Workshop 