- Liberty University Offers Undergrad Cert and B.Ed. in English as a Second Language.
- The Grand Canyon University offers a Masters of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program and a B.A. in Secondary Education.
- Arizona State University - Online Offers Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, MTESOL
- Campbellsville University Offers an ESL Endorsement (P-12), M.A. in Teaching - Secondary Education, M.A. in TESOL
- St. John's University Offers a Ph.D. in Literacy: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- George Mason University Offers a MEd in Curriculum & Instruction, Concentration in TESOL
Reviewed by Mary McLaughlin, Ma-TESOL; M.S. SpEd
Fernando Solano was recently honored with the 2016 Teacher of the Year award for his work as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher. The South Lexington Elementary School teacher accepted the award while several other teachers were given recognition as “Superheroes in the Classroom”.
Solano said that the award came as a big surprise as well as an honor. “No teacher could be happier than when we are recognized for what we do,” he said.
Jennifer Brown, the principal at the elementary school, described Solano as a dedicated and passionate teacher who provided a thorough experience to the students. She said that Solano is connected to both the student’s and the parent’s needs when it comes to literacy. For his part, Solano infuses his love of literacy into his students. “He has a vested interest in ESL and working with the children,” said Brown.
This is Solano’s second year with South Lexington, having previously worked in Guilford County schools.
Rick Kriesky, Superintendent for the Lexington City School district, admitted choosing the Teacher of the Year was a challenge because he believed all teachers deserve to be honored.
Emy Garret, assistant superintendent concurred describing the teachers as superheroes who have superhuman qualities including multi-tasking, instilling a passion to learn and keeping peace in the classrooms.
During the awards, Kriesky complimented all of the teachers during the annual brunch to celebrate the Teacher of the Year. He went on to congratulate them for doing an amazing job inspiring the children in their classrooms and beyond.
Several other teachers were given recognition for individual school teacher of the year during the brunch. In 2015, the Teacher of the Year award was shared by two teachers for the first time in its history.