Language Immersion and Global Learning Thrive at E.E. Miller Elementary

At E.E. Miller Elementary school, positivity is not optional for teachers or students – there is a genuine excitement for learning throughout the building.

“We have to have that fire for learning because we’re setting the tone for students’ educational careers,” said Gerald Hernandez, principal of the school. “Students thrive off their teachers’ energy.”

Principal Hernandez never thought he would be an administrator. “I was very happy being a classroom teacher and thought I would retire as a teacher,” he said. “I realized I could impact and reach more students this way.”

Global education at the school

For the past decade, E.E. Miller’s successful Spanish dual language program ensures students are strengthening and building important 21st century skills. The school started infusing global learning into all classrooms this year to establish more equitable experiences for all students.

One can see this throughout the school. Examples of student work line the hallways, demonstrating how each teacher relates global themes to the standards they are teaching.

This infusion of global education in every aspect of learning has resulted in many positive benefits for students, Hernandez said.

“The lessons have become so engaging; I’ve seen students that may have been bored or have behavior problems become excited about what they’re learning,” Hernandez said. “They’re curious-it’s like a different world for them.”

The role of teachers

This passion for global learning first started with the school’s teachers. Hernandez said one of the most important aspects of this new initiative has been creating a familial atmosphere, unity and making sure teachers don’t feel scared when they don’t know an answer to a question.

Hernandez started the year by training his staff on global themes in curriculum and emphasizing they would be learning throughout the year together through additional training and professional development. Spending this time set the tone for a collaborative, positive environment that has continued through the year.

“They saw the benefits of how exciting learning could become again,” Hernandez said. “It put new life into the standards.”

Not only are staff and students excited about what’s happening at the school, parents are as well. The school continuously involves families in learning by hosting curriculum nights and cultural events throughout the year. Each grade level does hands-on activities during this time.

“All the teachers coming from a wide variety of places are bringing those experiences to the students,” Hernandez said. “It comes down to respecting differences. Differences strengthen us as a school and a community.”

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