Monthly Archives: May 2020

MATSOL Educators of the Year

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This year, instead of recognizing just one Teacher of the Year, we want to honor all of our teachers!

Join us in recognizing and celebrating the work English Language Education (ELE) teachers are doing to teach multilingual learners remotely across Massachusetts.  In our member meetings since the pandemic began, we have heard from our educators about the creativity, innovation, dedication and generosity of their work in meeting the needs of students and their families.

We want to celebrate you! How are you making a difference with multilingual learners? Share your experiences!

  • Yuiko Shimazu
  • Stephanie Marcotte
  • Chris Leider
  • Jody Klein

Join the MATSOL Board members in this celebration!

Here’s how:

  1. Print the template (PDF), Download the sign (DOCX), or create your own.
  2. Complete the sign:  I’m making a difference by …
  3. Take a selfie with the sign.
  4. Share your photo on social media! Be sure to tag MATSOL and use the #MATSOLeducators hashtag. If you don’t use social media, but still want to participate, click here to submit your photo and we will post it for you.
  5. Keep the celebration going by tagging an ELE educator to share their experiences! 

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“Thrown to the wolves” – Teacher education during a pandemic

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By Johanna Tigert, Christine Leider, and Michaela Colombo for the MATSOL Teacher Educator Special Interest Group.

Special thanks to Adrienne, Anastasia, Claudia, Helen, Irma, Ivone, Jocelyn, Joni, Josh, Laura, Marialuisa, Melissa, Moira, Paula, Peter, and Rachel, whose voices we drew on in writing this piece. 

The MATSOL Teacher Educator Special Interest Group (SIG) met on April 27 via Zoom to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our work. A record number of people attended – a testament to the desire of people to connect and be heard during these unprecedented times. In small groups, we shared both our recent challenges and triumphs as distance teacher educators. We’re not going to pretend challenges didn’t dominate our conversation – they were serious, multiple, and complex. People needed the space to voice their concerns. However, the resourceful group we are, we also shared strategies, resources, and tips for overcoming some of the challenges. 

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