ESOL - TESOL - SSTESOL

Overcoming Barriers to English Language Learning and Academic Achievement
by William Jackson, edited by Kisha Bryan

The teaching ability of educators
passionate in the instruction of
the English language is highlighted
by the successes of those of other
languages adapting to the
complexities of a language that
seems easily adaptable, only to find out that
language is a barrier.

Language learning is probably one of the most difficult skills to master.
It is compounded by the simultaneous learning of academic content.
It is through the English language that Florida's over 200,000 ELLs must
achieve mastery of the academic standards as outlined by the Florida
Department of Education. In addition, there are a large number of English
Language Institutes (ELIs) and community colleges that prepare students
to meet the challenges of a higher education curriculum.

Compounded by the idea that the English language is one of the most
complex languages in the world to master, passionate educators have
shown that language is a barrier to learning, TESOL teacher's goal is to
work to decrease those barriers to learning.

The 33rd Annual Sunshine State TESOL Conference was held May 12-13th
in Jacksonville, Florida. This year's theme: Building Bridges: Connecting
Theory and Practice. The conference was recognized by John Peyton,
Mayor of Jacksonville, Florida, Mr. Ed Pratt-Dannals Superintendent of
Duval County Public Schools, Pat Willis, Deputy Superintendent,
Cathy LeRoy, Chief Officer of Academic Services and Brenda Trimble,
ESOL Supervisor.

SSTESOL conference in Jacksonville, Florida represented teachers that
are dedicated to facilitating instruction to those of other cultures striving to merge themselves into American society. The first step to accommodation is through mastering the language, in this case developing the English language into an instructional component so that those of ESOL
(English Speakers of Other Languages) can learn, comprehend and apply
their new language skill sets. No other language is as unique and embedded
with linguistic overtones, vocalized nuances and implied vocabulary that
may represent several definitions that invoke different responses.
Learning English is more than learning the pronunciation and definition of
words, phases, and forming of paragraphs from sentence structures. There
is the incorporation of multifaceted words in conversational models with
clarity and comprehension.

Sunshine State Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages
has been in existence since 1975, but under the origins
to a four state group:
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida TESOL (tesol.org).

There were various modifications, growth stages and adaptations
until what is known now as SSTESOL was formalized. The mission
of the Sunshine State Teachers of English to Speakers of Other
Languages (SSTESOL) is to provide educators access to professional development, educational and instructional resources, personal
interaction with professional teachers, and to provide leadership
and advocacy in language policy issues.

The championing of these essential elements can be seen on a
nationaL, international level where teachers nationally have
contact with educators with international experience and backgrounds.
It is not uncommon for teachers located in educational institutions
here in the United States to share instructional models, best
practices and ritual and routines from the elementary to higher education with teachers from other parts of the world. Through the use of education, this builds the capabilities and abilities of those who come to this county. They have dreams of improving their live, but need the power of education to make their dreams come true; applied to dream building stated by Wendell L. Wilkie, "I believe in America because we have great dreams - and because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true."

This politically correct statement shows that those with
dreams can achieve those dreams no matter the challenges.
The educational resources are available to help them grow,
but the professionalism and knowledge of educators is a requirement.

The strength of SSTESOL organization is the understanding
of a unification and solidarity to the importance of
teaching English to those who have a relationship with the
United States of America. Through solidarity the development
of a strategic forward plan to provide the best instructional
practices that service TESOL students.
Organizational development, professional development, and
advocacy were identified as three key planning areas.
Currently, SSTESOL has eight active chapters, and membership
is generally between 750-800 members.

The conference hosted this year in Jacksonville, Florida had presenters with national and international experience. The Keynote Speaker Dr. Keith Folse whose plenary was entitled, "A New Direction in Working with Native Speakers" is professor of TESOL at the University of Central Florida.
He is the author of the successful GREATs writing series by Cengage and has taught all skill areas in the US and abroad for many years. Other notable speakers were; Staci Johnson ESOL educator and co-author of three (3) books, Rob Jenkins of Santa Ana College's Centennial Education Center and Hiram Ruiz, Director of Refugee Services in the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Attending this conference for the first time permitted me to gain an admiration and respect for my colleagues in a discipline that has international impact. More countries world wide are transitioning through economic, political, social and cultural changes. The United States is seen globally as a haven, providing opportunities to improve the lives of those who seek educational growth, economic opportunity, freedom of speech and empowerment to take back to their native lands and help develop opportunities for their native communities. There are those
that are escaping the reality of war, famine, political and economic unrest. In order to survive and thrive in the United States the first step is to learn English. This is where the value of a trained and empowered ESOL educator is invaluable for school districts, community colleges, colleges and universities.

Technology integration was also demonstrated by the vast online resources available to teachers. Supporting of the technology demonstrations was Sean Jackson (FAMU)and Kelly Hernandez from Miami Dade College, worked to make sure the technical equipment for PowerPoint, Internet and audio was working properly for the international and American presenters.
Thank you to all the coordinators and volunteers who Worked to
make this a successful conference and student entertainers from
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, and the NEF (Northeast Florida TESOL).

As has been stated by Adlai Stevenson, "America is much more than a geographical fact. It is a political and moral fact - the first community in which men set out in principle to institutionalize freedom, responsible government, and human equality."
This can be applied concerning the importance of TESOL teachers here in the United States. The United States has embraced and set policy to provide educational services to ESOL students to help them in their quest to improve their lives and the lives of their families through educational enrichment and empowerment.

Congratulations to the 2011 President's Award Co-Recipients - Brenda Trimble, Supervisor of ESOL for Duval County Public Schools and Philip Kellerman, established the Harvest of Hope Foundation.

More information about the conference can be found at:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/13605913/sstesol_2011_program.pdf

To gain more information access the links below:
Web site: www. sstesol.org/
Facebook: facebook.com/sstesol
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/SSTESOL

TESOL Advocacy Day
Don't forget TESOL Advocacy Day 2011 - June 6th and 7th http://sstesol.org/?p=817

Board Members:
President 2010-2011: Nora Dawkins
Immediate Past President 2010-2011: Cynthia Schuemann
1st Vice President 2010-2011: Patricia Grant
2nd Vice President 2010-2011: Kisha Bryan
Treasurer 2010-2013: James May
Secretary 2010-2012: Betty Green

Conference Contacts:
Conference Chair: Pat Grant
Program Chair: Kisha Bryan
Publisher/Exhibits: Teresa Lucas

Small Business and Social Networking

What You Need To Know: Social Networking/ Social Marketing is booming in small business and for the entrepreneurial. Blogs are covering multiple genres in business and marketing. Technology is a new tool for not only personal contact, but also for business contacts. Now is the time for small business owners to explore the business options on several social networks. It does not take a technology degree; a degree in computer engineering, nor a marketing degree it's as simple as networking and gaining a basic understanding of using networking tools online.
The development of Web 2.0 tools allows for the extension beyond basic email and chat with tools like Yahoo Messenger and MSN Chat, but has expanded to other tools (protocols) that allow for interactivity, instant connectivity in Virtual worlds where business is the key ingredient.  The misconception for business success online is going online and joining every social network. Make friends, gain contacts and grow an email address database. Even if you build a network of thousands this may not work towards your business success. There needs to be a plan, a procedure and a process.

Defining Social Networks: A social network “is a social structure made of groups that are tied by one or more specific types of interdependency, such as values, visions, ideas, financial exchange, friendship, kinships, dislikes, conflict or trade” (http://www.wikipedia.org/). There are thousands of social networks online that are specifically for any ideology. There are discussions in an electronic format of more than just “what is your sign” or ”what restaurant to eat at” or “what club is the best to meet people”? Social Networks provide a platform to expand a presence and create a place digitally.  

Importance of Content: Content is very important, content is king. Stated by Tiffany Duhart of Nokturnal Escape, “many business owners do not value the content of their social media sites. Businesses do not realize that all the fluff and pizzazz of Flash, Shockwave, music and incorporation of graphics goes away and the customer looks for content” (www.nokturnalescape.com/). Marketing a business online and establishing presence, information is the most important and how it is displayed.  It can be seen on nokturnalescape.com the minimal use of graphics, but the use of content to drive
people to the site. As I teach on the importance to content for businesses, many business owners think they can drive customers to their sites (which is true) with a lot of graphics, but this does not mean anything if a sale is not made. Having a web presence does not mean just having a web site, Facebook page, Ning Social Media site, Tweets from a Twitter page, nor a presence on LinkedIn. The goal is to have repeat visits and consistent sales. Content is what attracts potential customers and keeps their attention.
When businesses advertise on Nokturnal Escape they get a return on their money quickly because of the relationships Ms. Duhart has created. Social media is a tool to show what you are selling or the service you are providing. There is no compromise when it comes to the importance of content on social media sites.

Pervasiveness of the Internet:  The interactive social networking scene has grown over the past 3 years. The explosion of the diversity of what is being called the Web 2.0 environment has allowed diverse communities to connect, work in partnerships and allow for peer collaboration on projects ranging in community development, political activism, minority affairs, religious activities and of course hobbies and interests. The Nielsen Company, showed through studies consumers spent about five and half hours on social networking sites ranging from Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. This is an 82% increase from previous years when users were spending just over three hours on social networking sites. Looking at the globalization of social networks and blogs they are the most popular online category followed by online games and instant messaging. People have discovered through social networks there is no limit to what a person can participate in according to their curiosity and desires. This is why when addressing business interests a plan with routines and procedures is needed.

Politics Embraces Social Media: When President Obama ran for office the genesis was in using social media to welcome and inform young voters. Getting them involved by using a tool they used to communicate and socialize with. This was not ignored by others involved in politics, looking at a local election, the first African American Mayor of Jacksonville, Florida. The Alvin Brown campaign used social networks to spread the word to potentially young voters as well. Connecting with them on their level, encouraging them to make a difference by voting and to show that they could be “Down with Brown” and that candidate Alvin Brown “felt them”, the youths needs, frustrations, and failures of the past administration. The success of this digital campaign will be written and analyzed for years to come. Involved again is Tiffany Duhart sharing her expertise and knowledge that will not go unnoticed in future political circles and marketing circles.

Success Stories: Success stories can be found for many businesses, this focus in on three that use a web presence, Twitter, Facebook and Blogging. Looking at such businesses and their growth; E3 Business Group (e3businessgroup.org) headed by Anthony Butler, Sr. the Executive Director has embraced the power of social media. In just over two years E3 Business Group has over 70 business members and partnerships with 100 Black Men of Jacksonville, the Harlem Globetrotters, Taco Bell Foundation, and Boys and Girls Club of America just to name a few. The venture now is YAT- The Youth Achievement in Technology (YAT) summer program in Jacksonville, Florida providing an opportunity to guide youth into careers with the help of technology (www.e3businessgroup.us/training.html).
Nokturnal Escape (www.nokturnalescape.com/) the premier site for “What Is Happening” in North Florida. Managed by Tiffany Duhart of BlinkVirtualBuzz.com; Ms. Duhart is a force to be reckoned with in the Internet and Social Media Marketing and Promotion Business. Because of her expertise and business contacts the first place to go to for “Being in the Know” for events are Nokturnal Escape. Journey Into Womanhood - Empowerment Resources (www.empowermentresourcesinc.org ) is a rites of passage program for girls ages
9-17, that focuses on their healthy transition from girl to young woman. The vision of Elexia Coleman-Moss, Founder and Executive Director; using a web presence, Twitter, Facebook and Blogging to share the contributions that this wonderful program provides to the community. The reach and influence of the program extends beyond Jacksonville, Florida. Helping to empower and educate girl in education, careers and maturity into women.

Dark Side of Social MediaThere is a “dark side to social networking”. The Internet can be so pervasive in lives that we can no longer just think of it as a passing fad or luxury. In a social and cultural context, in order to be productive in a digital world we must understand this area of communication; it can be positive or create an avenue for negativity. All the praises of social media can be over shadowed by the potential of a dark side. Businesses are finding that the instantaneous sharing of information and opinions about companies and products is prompting businesses to influence conversations through technology and new ways of thinking. Businesses are victimized by social media sites and the words that are posted online. One example from 2008 Johnson & Johnson had to apologize for an online ad for its painkiller and the direction of its advertising. Customers now have a medium (tool) to criticize a product and communicate with millions in a matter of minutes. Causing a business to be reactive and employ damage control protocols that are not always successful.

Dangers Can Follow:  Even in an electronic format there still remains danger, the opportunities to meet people may place one or both to unknown dangers and hazards. In the article, “Dangers of Social Networking”, by Tony Bradley (2007), sites allow the user to post pictures and video. A person can learn your likes, dislikes, places you like to travel, and daily routines. Predators and stalkers follow their potential prey first, looking for opportunities to attack either to do immediate harm, or snatching/kidnapping. The other option is to attack a person by stealing another person’s account. Bill Brenner who writes in,” Not Among Friends: The Dangers of Social Networks”, tells “one aspect that given enough time and information about a person, attackers can hijack a person's social network account to use as a launching pad for additional attacks against other users. Keeping usernames and passwords secrete is very important. Businesses are in constant cyber attacks and take each cyber hit seriously. They must be sure that employees keep their identities and access codes secret.  The Internet and Social Networks open up additional doors for espionage, theft, slander, and potential criminal activities.

Entrepreneurial Spirit:  Establishing a connection on the Internet in the Web 2.0
and developing Web 3.0 environment allows for an entrepreneurial spirit to develop faster and go farther in implementation. Social Media is not for those who like established rules, conservative ideologies and slow moving actions. This media is ever changing and developmental. Looking at Google, Microsoft, Facebook, LinkedIn, Nokturnal Escape and others; their implementation of Social Media and Social Networks has changed the rules of businesses. Even in the book Business at the Speed of Thought (Bill Gates 1999) Gates highlighted that in order for any business to be successful that business must embrace technology. I have read the book and listened to the DVD version several times. Business is a competition and the use of technology is a tool to get an edge. In order for any business to survive there should be an incorporation of business thought,  technology implementation and integration.

Resources: Looking to expand your employee’s business knowledge of Social Media take advantage of the resources available. Don’t let your business suffer from ignorance of the power social media. Educate on social trends, tools, issues and dangers.
Information is Power – Content is King

Tiffany Duhart, Internet/Social Media Consultant
tduhart@blinkvirtualbuzz.com
(904) 626-2812www.blinkvirtualbuzz.com/

William Jackson, M.Edu.
JETI – Jackson Educational Technology Instruction
William_J@e3businessgroup.us
(904) 502 3211
Technology Training
Social Media/Social Networking
Bullying/Cyber-bullying
Blogging
http://about.me/williamdjackson

Anthony Butler, Sr. Executive Director
E3 Business Group
www.e3businessgroup.org   888-525-2299 x117
YAT
www.e3businessgroup.us/training.html
Enrolling now for summer sessions


Elexia Coleman-Moss, Founder and Executive Director
Journey Into Womanhood - Empowerment Resources
www.empowermentresourcesinc.org    904-268-8287
Is a rites of passage program for girls ages 9-17.

When Funk Is Good

 

When Funk Is Good
by Cheryl Williams and William Jackson

The two (2) day 2011 Funk Fest started off Funky with performances
by MC Hammer which got the over 6,000 in attendance in the mood to
groove and dance. The excitement in Metropolitan Park was electric in the
cool evening air. Mother Nature cooperated perfectly setting up the
atmosphere as if in perfect preparation for a Funk-filled partying
atmosphere for Earth Wind and Fire.

The crowd embracing the elements that made the evening atmospherically
in harmony with the music. This being my first time seeing EWF in concert
I instantly could see why they are one of the most popular groups in
musical history.

Phillip Bailey’s vocal talents were electrifying from beginning
to end. His range of vocal artistic quality started from a high first
Soprano then flowing melo-dynamically and harmonizing vocal-
dynamic to a soul stroking Bass. Seasoning by years of 100’s
of performances, this has not diminished Earth Wind and Fire’s
showmanship, energy, creativity, artistry nor the ability to please
an audience ranging multiculturally and in age that spans decades
of appreciation for the talents of EWF. The crowd was
intimately involved swaying, dancing, singing and in some cases
overwhelmed with emotion as songs such as Reasons, After the
Love Is Gone and others flowed through the air creating an
almost spiritual essence that flowed even as
the evening concluded on this first day.

During the course of the performances the Earth elements
seemed to take pleasure in the excitement of the music as a
cool breeze continued to caress the crowd, the ground beneath 
vibrated to the music, invigorated from the beats and  tones created
by the pulsating instrumentations of these talented entertainers.
Earth Wind and Fire is celebrated and respected as Rock and Roll
Hall of Famers, Multi Grammy Honors and Gold, Platinum, and
Multi Platinum Winners. Their performance will be remembered
long after the Funk Fest is over.

The second day of Funkiness was started off and continued
by performances of entertainers with aspiring musical wishes,
these talented individuals lead up to the Main Attraction for the ;
Frankie Beverly and Maze, these iconic entertainers have been
performing over 45 years. Starting in Philadelphia and expanding
their musical R&B and Ole Skool musical hits across the country.
The emotional energy started from the first song and remained until
the last melody. . Dancing and singing to songs that not only brought
the crowd to their collective feet, but created an atmosphere where it
seemed everyone was in awe from the lyrics which were positive
and uplifting.

There is a mystic almost spiritual ingredient to the music of Maze.
Unlike other performers Maze has a connection that those seasoned
with age and life experiences can relate too. Songs like Happy Feelings
and That’s the Golden Time of Day; there is a spiritual tone that can
uplift any spirit not respecting any color, creed, culture or hue of
skin tone. The force of the power of music was witnessed when
“We Are One” was sung; creating a crescendo of harmony and
synchronization not seen at this magnitude in Jacksonville.

Everyone was joined in a connection that transcended color,
gender and generation. This is the ability of Frankie Beverly and
Maze’s talent to musically touch the souls of people no matter the
age generation or skin color.  True power of music was shown by
the Master himself; Frankie Beverly who exudes a humbleness
that defies his presence in music and artistry.

Cheryl Williams has had the opportunity to attend concerts
featuring Maze for the last 5 years when they come to Jacksonville,
she states that, “Frankie and Maze have the ability to bring unity
and harmony to people that are perfect strangers when they meet
at his concerts, but when they leave and the show is over those
people are friends.”

Jacksonville is better for the performances of Earth Wind and
Fire and Frankie Beverly and Maze.

As one person stated leaving at the end of the Funk Fest,
this is the best way to unite Jacksonville and look past our
differences. I wish we could keep this unity and spirit”.