As an Associate Professor for the Touro University TESOL/BLE Department, I am immensely proud to feature outstanding student work from our MS in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program. New York’s linguistic diversity demands teachers who can find common ground and effectively communicate with students from different language backgrounds. Academically rigorous and practice-intensive, the 33-credit program leads candidates who complete all coursework, and fieldwork to recommendation for ESL certification.

Ms. Mia Sessa is an entry-level elementary special education teacher passionate about working with students with disabilities and multi-lingual learners! Ms. Sessa is a Third Grade Priority Substitute on Long Island, New York. This is her first semester as a graduate student in the TESOL program at Touro University, and she is extremely excited to continue to learn and grow as an educator and individual at Touro! One of her favorite quotes is; “When planning programs and instruction for English learners, we sometimes focus solely on what they are not yet proficient in and fail to consider the assets they bring to school.” – MaryEllen Vogt, Jana Echevarria, and Deborah J. Short

Ms. Sessa wrote an exceptional DB 3 for our course EDDN 637 – Second Language Learners and Content Areas

EDDN 635 Curriculum Development and Classroom Management in the Technology Era

This comprehensive course builds upon the foundation of curriculum development and classroom management in the context of teaching English language learners. Expanding its horizons to embrace the digital age, the course adeptly weaves innovative technology integration into the domain of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Crafted to empower prospective TESOL/BLE educators, the course hones in on fostering competence in designing, implementing, assessing, and reflecting within diverse language learning environments, all while capitalizing on the potentials of cutting-edge technology. With a strong focus on practical application and discerning appraisal of technological tools, this course primes upcoming educators to excel amidst the ever-evolving educational landscape. Includes 10 hours of field work.

Irene Theotokas: As a first-year teacher, she is on a mission to mirror the impactful mentorship she received as a young student. Inspired by the teachers who shaped her path, she aspires to be a beacon of guidance and support for her students, just as they were for her during her formative years. It is a privilege for her to give back to the community that helped mold her, and she is dedicated to being the role model she once looked up to.

As Irene Theotokas’ professor, I am impressed by how thoroughly she completed her curriculum map for EDDN 635 Curriculum Development and Classroom Management in the Technology Era. Her work reflects a high level of dedication and competence, meeting and exceeding the course requirements.