Emily Sherlock ‘24 | Elementary Education Major and ESOL Minor
Minoring in ESOL offers a different experience than being in a general education classroom. It allows you more time to get closer to small groups…for me, it was a really rewarding experience to help students develop their English skills. At Saint Anselm, there are opportunities to apply knowledge from ESOL classes to the internship, along with Community Engaged Learning opportunities that expand that knowledge even more.
Emily Sherlock, class of 2024, is an Elementary Education Major and an ESOL Minor. Post-graduation she is getting her Master’s in Moderate Disabilities at Merrimack College and will be a fellow at Sanborn Elementary School in Andover, Mass., applying her ESOL knowledge to the classroom.
Why did you choose to pursue an ESOL minor in your teaching profession?
I am pursuing an ESOL minor at Saint Anselm because I want to build upon my previous experience in elementary education and expand my knowledge of working with children whose native language is not English. Working in Manchester where there is a lot of language diversity, I can apply what I have learned in class to my current placement at Beach Street Elementary School.
What’s unique about the ESOL program?
Something unique about the ESOL program is that it certifies me in sheltered English immersion (SEI), and knowing I want to teach in Massachusetts post-graduation helps me to achieve my career goals. It also allows for additional time spent in the classroom before graduating. I have completed my student teaching at Bakersville Elementary School in Manchester and am continuing my role in Manchester Public Schools this semester at Beech Street Elementary School.
How has Saint Anselm prepared you for life after college?
Post graduation I am getting my masters in moderate disabilities at Merrimack College where I will be a fellow at Sanborn Elementary School in Andover, Mass. From my experience at Saint Anselm, I knew I wanted a Master’s program that offered a classroom placement along with graduate courses. I have learned from my experience at Saint Anselm that it is an extremely beneficial experience to be able to take knowledge from courses and immerse it into hands-on experiences in the classroom.
What ESOL courses are offered?
I am taking two ESOL internship courses with Professors Jobin and Sherman. In the classes, we shared our personal classroom observations and reflected on the different experiences within the Manchester community. Taking these courses helped me apply knowledge from content learned in my internship at Beach Street Elementary School.
What advice would you give future students interested in pursuing an ESOL minor?
I would advise future students to minor in ESOL as it offers a different experience than just being a classroom teacher. It allows you more time to get closer to small groups of students within your classroom. It’s a really rewarding experience being able to help students develop their English language skills.
How are you involved on campus at Saint Anselm College?
I am a peer writing assistant in the Academic Resource Center where I offer support to students who seek additional tips outside of the classroom. I also have enjoyed my time volunteering at the Meelia Center for Community Engagement at Families in Transition, 21st Century, and Girls Inc. These experiences have helped me to understand the diversity and importance of making connections with children within the community.
Who has been your favorite teacher/mentor and why?
Professor Demers has helped me to gain a stronger understanding of ESOL and the wide range of diversity in classroom experiences. Professor Demers’ Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners and Multicultural Perspectives in Public Schools courses inspired me to minor in ESOL.