Students from anywhere in the world could possibly move to Revere, walk the same halls, and learn in the same classes as the other students, while knowing little about the language and customs. Despite their lack of experience in English, they must still receive a proper education. The nationwide English Language Learners (ELL) program and its new teacher Deniese Newman ensures this.

This year, Newman accepted the position instructing these students at Revere. Newman started her teaching career in art, but felt the effects of budget cuts in that area. She then completed the required training and first taught the ELL program at Streetsboro School District. She learned of the opening at Revere, where her own children attended, and applied for the job. The program does not focus solely on teaching the students English, but it also helps the students in their other classes while they perfect their English skills. The students must still learn most of the standard curriculum typically taught in English, and ELL teachers must make the content accessible to all of their students.

Newman fills a complex role and instructs all of the ELL students in the district.

Newman said, “I do lots of things. I’m teaching, or I should say, I support the students who are here learning English and work with the kids [through] High School. I travel to each building. I coordinate my schedule with [the students] and with their teachers.”

A large enough number of ELL students attended Streetsboro to necessitate dedicated classrooms and multiple teachers, but at Revere, where fewer ELL students attend, Newman spreads her time between the High School, Middle School, and Bath and Hillcrest Elementary.

This small population of ELL students, spread between the schools, sometimes requires more aid than a single ELL instructor can provide, and others try to provide aid to the students when they require it.

“They have to depend on themselves a lot, [and] the teachers do a lot of things to help them understand,” Newman said.

Newman allows the students to fulfill their right to an education despite their difficulties with the new language.

Without the program, the students would fail to receive the benefits of an education equal to that of the other students and would fall behind their English-speaking classmates. RHS principal Phil King noted that the school does not “want someone just tossed aside.”

Junior Mandi Sahl came to Revere from India in fourth grade and entered the program while knowing little English. The program, with the help of Newman’s predecessor, Karen Nitsch, helped her to master English while simultaneously helping her with her other subjects. Much of the technical language can confuse the students, and, at a designated meeting time, Newman helps to rephrase confusing materials.

ELL teachers try to clarify lessons and “use words we know,” Sahl said.

Learning English is “kind of hard work,” Sahl said, and Newman “is really helpful.”

The students have just arrived in a new country, and must adjust to more than just the language, so Newman must also prevent the unfamiliar customs and holidays from overwhelming the students.

Staff members have expressed enthusiasm at her hiring.

“She has the experience, [and] she’s…very knowledgeable. [The program] is a very important part of our school’s culture,” King said.

Newman has enjoyed the staff’s kindness towards her.

Newman said, “Everyone was so helpful [and] welcoming, [and offered] supplies [and] even spaces to work.”

The ELL program and its sole teacher only directly affect a small number of people, but it still betters Revere by providing opportunity to students with limited English and creating diversity in the district.