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.
Rebecca Jarvis is a Preschool Special Education Teacher on Long Island. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Speech Communication from St. Joseph’s College on Long Island. She is enrolled to receive a Master’s Degree in TESOL at Touro University.
Throughout my entire career and studies, I have had a passion for working with all students and making a truly positive impact on their education with the help of my professors at Touro University. They have helped guide me and teach me how to create lessons to ensure all my students’ needs are being met academically.
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.
Amanda Foti: She is in her third year as a fourth-grade teacher at P.S.131 in the vibrant Brooklyn, New York community. Alongside her teaching adventures, she is also deep into the TESOL graduate degree program at Touro University, adding more tools to her teaching toolbox. What really lights her up is the opportunity to step into the role of an ESL teacher for her incredible group of students, creating a classroom where everyone feels seen and supported. She believes that “In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.” – Phil Collins
At Touro University, I found that learning and teaching go hand in hand. As I learned, I also got to teach others, creating a circle of knowledge. Touro is not just a school; it’s a place where everyone learns from each other, making education a shared adventure.
Amanda Foti, TESOL Candidate, Touro University, Graduate School of Education
Assignment description:
Instructional Material Critique & Redesign with Infographic
Setting the stage:
Imagine you are the TESOL expert and the librarian come to you to select books for your multilingual learners – how will you sdecide? This project will help you focus on choosing inclusive books AND academically rigorous for multilingual learners.
Look at the books and texts YOU are using RIGHT now in your classroom – what is in your reading corner, what do you use with your students for history, math, music etc? Look at those books or chapters with a fresh focus! How can YOU support English language acquisition for your ELL’s?
You will engage in a comprehensive evaluation and redesign project focused on creating culturally and linguistically responsive classrooms and instructional practices for English Language Learners (ELLs) and MLs. The assignment consists of five steps.
You will choose 3 books to analyze or 3 book chapters. Two of the books/chapters are in their grade level, and one book/chapter must be a different level; So if the first set is elementary level, the third book/chapter must be either middle or high school, and vice versa. Going to your library is an excellent resource, please use it. You must provide an appropriate APA style citation for EACH book. I welcome photos of your books that demonstrate what you are discussing.
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.
Anastasios Panagiotidis works as a secondary education Earth Science teacher, proudly serving the South Huntington Union Free School District. As he prepares for his fourth year in a probationary track position, he is simultaneously enrolled in courses through Touro University to acquire his Master’s degree in TESOL. As an educator, his utmost priority is ensuring he has the “tools” necessary to meet the individual needs of his diverse student population.
“The reason I feel so strongly about this statement is that I once had an 8th grade Science teacher myself, who not only met my individual needs, but made me believe that I could prevail beyond my learning disability to accomplish anything I put my heart, mind, and soul into. She is who has propelled me to the point I am at today.”
My goal in life since then, was to be that person for my students someday. This all begins by allowing equal opportunities for success regardless of the struggles our students face and using every resource we have access to to aid our student population. Touro University has paved the way for my continued growth and maturity as a young educator and has ultimately gotten me closer to achieving those goals I have set for myself way back in High school.
Anastasios Panagiotidis, Touro University TESOL Master’s Degree Candidate
Keep tuned for more in my upcoming column for Stankevicius.
Last week, I embarked on a transformative five-day journey in Mountainview, Silicon Valley with the Singularity Executive program that reshaped my perspective on leadership in the age of exponential technology. Through an intensive and comprehensive curriculum led by expert faculty, I learned about, engaged with, and tried out exponential technologies and envisioned their profound implications for our collective future(s).
I am still working through my reservations on the quest for an artificial intelligence that one day will surpass the human mind which I will discuss in my upcoming column for Stankevicius.
Perhaps Frank Herbert’s words (Dune 1) frame my thoughts best: “Thou shalt not make a machine in the likeness of a human mind.” My cautionary stance is rooted in the fear of losing control over such technologies and the unpredictable consequences such technologies will have on humanity. I believe that aspects of our human experience should remain unique and sacred.
Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin
Engaging in hands-on workshops, thought-provoking presentations, and lively debates with my incredible cohort, we explored ethical considerations arising from technology’s exponential advancement. Together with our Singularity experts we discussed and debated what it means to be human, the value of human judgment, and the risks associated with blurring the line between human consciousness and artificial constructs.
Keep tuned for more in my upcoming column for Stankevicius.
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.
Carly Croteau: She graduated from SUNY New Paltz in 2021, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood and Childhood Education, with a concentration in Spanish and a minor in Deaf Studies. Throughout her tenure at SUNY New Paltz, she was a four-year varsity student-athlete, playing for the field hockey team and serving as a three-year captain for the program. She began teaching fourth grade in September of 2022 and started pursuing her Master of Science Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Her Touro University journey quote is “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”— Maya Angelou
Ms. Carly Croteau submitted an outstanding text analysis which I am proud to share.
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.
Soha Girguis: She serves as a special education teacher at P4K School in Brooklyn, New York. Having graduated from Touro College in 2023 with a Master’s degree in General Education and Special Education, she is enthusiastic about her ongoing educational journey. Currently, she is enrolled in a TESOL Master’s program at Touro College, aiming to expand her expertise and impact in the field of education.
Ms. Girguis submitted an outstanding text analysis.
Assignment description: Text Analysis & Critique
Analyzing Complex Texts and Addressing Challenges for ELLs/MLs in the Content Areas
Objective:
The objective of this assignment is to deepen your understanding of the cognitive and linguistic demands of complex texts in the content areas and to analyze a specific chapter or aspect of a content-area text currently used or recommended by the New York State/BOE. By closely examining the underlying concepts, you will develop a thesis and purpose for your analysis. You will critically evaluate the challenges that make the selected concept or section difficult for ELLs and provide substantial, logical, and concrete development of ideas in your critique.
Analyzing text complexity for English Language Learners (ELL) and Multilingual Learners (ML) requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account various factors. You can begin by examining the linguistic demands of the text, including vocabulary, sentence structure, and discourse patterns, ensuring they align with the proficiency levels of the students. Additionally, you, the teacher should consider the cultural and background knowledge necessary to comprehend the text, as well as the cognitive processes required, such as inference or critical thinking. Furthermore, evaluating the organization and coherence of the text, along with its purpose and intended audience, allows you, the teacher to gauge its appropriateness and relevance for ELL/ML learners. By conducting a thorough analysis of text complexity, you can make informed decisions about instructional strategies, adaptations, and scaffolding techniques to support their students’ language development and comprehension skills.
Deliverables:
Analysis of a Chapter or Aspect: Select a chapter or aspect of a content-area text and thoroughly analyze its complex nature. Identify and explain the quantitative elements, qualitative factors, and reader and task considerations that contribute to its complexity.
Development of Thesis and Purpose: Based on your analysis, develop a clear and concise thesis statement that reflects the main idea or argument of your analysis. State the purpose of your analysis, outlining the specific goals and objectives you aim to achieve.
Linguistic analysis which involves examining the linguistic features and demands of a text in order to determine its suitability for language learners. It focuses on various aspects of the text, including vocabulary, sentence structure, and discourse patterns, with the aim of aligning them with the proficiency levels of the students. Here’s a breakdown of these elements:
Vocabulary: The analysis considers the range and complexity of words used in the text. It examines whether the vocabulary is appropriate for the students’ language proficiency level, taking into account factors such as word frequency, difficulty, and relevance to the topic. It also considers the presence of idiomatic expressions, figurative language, and specialized terminology that might pose challenges for learners.
Sentence structure: The analysis looks at the complexity and variety of sentence structures employed in the text. It considers factors such as sentence length, grammatical structures (e.g., verb tenses, conditionals, relative clauses), and syntactic complexity. The aim is to ensure that the sentence structures are within the grasp of the students’ language proficiency level, allowing for gradual progression and challenges appropriate to their abilities.
Discourse patterns: This aspect of linguistic analysis examines how ideas and information are organized and presented in the text. It includes analyzing discourse markers (e.g., conjunctions, transitional phrases) that indicate relationships between ideas, as well as cohesive devices (e.g., pronouns, repetition, referencing) that connect sentences and paragraphs. The analysis ensures that the text’s discourse patterns are comprehensible and aligned with the students’ proficiency levels, promoting their understanding of the text’s overall structure and coherence.
Sequencing Ideas with Textual Evidence: Organize your ideas in a coherent and logical manner, using evidence from the selected text to support your important points. Explain how the evidence reinforces your analysis and contributes to the understanding of the challenges faced by ELLs.
Critique of Challenging Concepts for ELLs: Engage in substantial and concrete development of ideas to describe the specific challenges ELLs encounter when accessing the chosen concept or section of the text. Discuss the linguistic, cultural, and cognitive barriers that hinder their comprehension and propose strategies to overcome these challenges.
Attention to De-Mystifying Complex Texts: Reflect on the concept of “complex” texts and explore strategies to ensure that ELLs/MLLs can access them effectively. Consider the quantitative, qualitative, and reader/task elements involved in text complexity and how they relate to supporting ELLs’/MLs comprehension.
Format and Length: The assignment should be a typed, double-spaced paper with a 12-point font. The length of the paper should be 5-6 pages, excluding references. Follow the provided grading rubric for formatting guidelines and requirements.
The science fiction community mourns Vernor Vinge, who passed away on March 20th, 2024. His writings will continue to inspire reflection on technology and the potential of artificial intelligence. His space opera “A Fire Upon the Deep,” serves as a pivotal exploration of the complexities surrounding the advancement of intelligence and technology.
The late science fiction author Vernor Vinge left behind a legacy of thought-provoking and imaginative works that continue to inspire readers worldwide. As a pioneering voice in the genre, Vinge’s writings offer a wealth of opportunities for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) to engage their students in meaningful language learning experiences.
One of the most compelling aspects of incorporating Vinge’s work into TESOL classrooms might be the potential for cultural enrichment. By introducing students to influential American science fiction, teachers could provide a gateway to understanding and appreciating the cultural significance of the science fiction genre. Vinge’s narratives often explore universal themes that transcend cultural boundaries, allowing students to potentially draw connections between their own experiences and those depicted in his stories while projecting future scenarios of their own lives.
Moreover, Vinge’s science fiction could serve as a catalyst for critical thinking and dynamic classroom discussions. Vinge’s works explore complex topics such as the advancement of artificial intelligence and the implications of technological progress. The interdisciplinary nature of his writings might further enhance their value in ENL/EFL classrooms. His stories often interweave scientific concepts, technological advancements, and philosophical inquiries, creating a rich tapestry of ideas that span multiple knowledge domains. By integrating these themes into language lessons, teachers could make English language more engaging and relevant to students’ diverse interests. For example, a lesson on Vinge’s “A Fire Upon the Deep” might incorporate discussions on computer science, ethics, and the societal impact of technology, all while strengthening students’ English language proficiency.
I am an Associate Professor at Touro University, a Fulbright Scholar, an SIT Graduate, a U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist (2024) in Assessment and Artificial Intelligence, and a former Education Policy Fellow (EPFP™) at Columbia University, Teachers College. I regularly write on ‘Insights at the Intersection of AI and Education,’ for Stankevicius. At the heart of my professional journey is a commitment to transformative education, grounded in integrating concepts like Lynda Miller’s philosophy of abundance, which counters Ruby Payne’s notion of a Culture of Poverty (2005). This philosophy of abundance emphasizes viewing experiences as assets filled with positivity and optimism, particularly valuable in an often dystopian-seeming world. Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4, I have contributed to initiatives like Computers for Schools Burundi, TESOL “Train the Trainer” programs in Yemen and Morocco. As an educator in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era, I prepare future teachers by incorporating innovations in education to shape worldviews and cultivate an adaptable skillset for Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous (VUCA) environments. My research explores simulations for educators-in-training, AI in education and assessment, educational Metaverse applications, and educational transformation for language educators.
“Rather than remain fixed in familiar practices, we will need to harness an agile, growth-oriented mindset. Now is the time for courage, vision, and perseverance.”
Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin
I am happy to share my virtual workshop session: “Structured Prompting for Teachers of English as a New Language/English as a Foreign Language” for Everyone Academy – Morocco, moderator: Aziz Soubai March 11th, 2024
At the heart of my professional journey is a commitment to transformative education, grounded in integrating concepts like Lynda Miller’s philosophy of abundance, which counters Ruby Payne’s notion of a Culture of Poverty (2005). This philosophy of abundance emphasizes viewing experiences as assets filled with positivity and optimism, particularly valuable in an often dystopian-seeming world. Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4, she has contributed to initiatives like Computers for Schools Burundi, TESOL “Train the Trainer” programs in Yemen and Morocco. As an educator in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era, I prepare future teachers by incorporating innovations in education to shape worldviews and cultivate an adaptable skillset for Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous (VUCA) environments. Her research explores simulations for educators-in-training, AI in education and assessment, educational Metaverse applications, and educational transformation for language educators.
“Rather than remain fixed in familiar practices, we will need to harness an agile, growth-oriented mindset. Now is the time for courage, vision, and perseverance.”
Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin
Through my pro-bono work, I support SDG 4.c By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing States.
Mon, Mar 11 | Webinar Time & Location Mar 11, 2024, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM GMT (Casablanca, Morocco)
– click the link to register
Structured AI Prompting Strategies for Language Educators
Platos Dialog „Philebus“ erforscht ausführlich die Theorie der Formen und die Suche nach Wahrheit durch philosophische Diskussionen zwischen Sokrates und Philebus. Zentrale Prinzipien beinhalten das Erreichen eines Gleichgewichts zwischen Weisheit und Vergnügen, was Sokrates als Weg zum „guten Leben“ argumentiert. Dieses Papier stützt sich auf den philosophischen Rahmen der Philebus-Triade als Linse, durch die die Schnittstellen und Synergien zwischen den drei Bereichen Weisheit, Vergnügen und dem guten Leben betrachtet werden. Durch die Verwendung dieses philosophischen Modells, versucht die Autorin, die Komplexitäten und das Chaos einer beschleunigenden, unkontrollierten und unerforschten technologischen Evolution zu interpretieren und zu durchdringen. Ihre These argumentiert, dass die generative Künstliche Intelligenz (KI), betrachtet durch die Philebus-Triade – ein Konzept aus den platonischen Dialogen, das eine harmonische Verbindung zwischen verschiedenen Aspekten der Realität symbolisiert – einen zusammenhängenden Rahmen darstellt. Die Autorin stellt eine komplexe Verbindung zwischen den zentralen philosophischen Grundsätzen in den platonischen Dialogen und den möglichen Konsequenzen einer atavistischen generativen KI in den Bildungs-, Forschungs- und Industriesektoren her. Durch die Verknüpfung dieser Konzepte entsteht eine Reflexion über die Konvergenz von philosophischem Gedankengut und modernster Technologie. Die Synthese dieser Ideen unterstreicht die zeitlose Natur der philosophischen Untersuchung, um dringende Fragen unserer technologischen Ära zu beantworten.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education, Research and Industry: the Philebus Triad? Abstract Plato’s dialog “Philebus” explores in detail the theory of forms and the search for truth through philosophical discussions between Socrates and Philebus. Central principles include achieving a balance between wisdom and pleasure, which Socrates argues is the path to the ‘good life’. This paper draws on the philosophical framework of the Philebus Triad as a lens through which the interfaces and synergies between the three areas of Wisdom, Pleasure, and the Good Life are viewed. By using this philosophical model, the author attempts to interpret and penetrate the complexities and chaos of an accelerating, uncontrolled and unexplored technological evolution. Her thesis argues that generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), viewed through the Philebus triad—a concept from the Platonic dialogues that symbolizes a harmonious connection between different aspects of reality—represents a cohesive framework. The author establishes a complex link between the central philosophical principles in the Platonic dialogues and the potential consequences of atavistic generative AI in the education, research and industrial sectors. By linking these concepts, a reflection on the convergence of philosophical thought and cutting-edge technology emerges. The synthesis of these ideas underscores the timeless nature of philosophical inquiry to answer pressing questions of our technological era.
Dr. J's Education Blog 