ESL Department

I am one of the five ESL teachers for Stanly Co. Schools. I am also a Spanish -online- instructor for SCOVE (Stanly Co. Virtual Education).

Background: I was born in Uruguay- one of the smallest Spanish Speaking countries in South America, squeezed between Brazil and Argentina. I came to the US in 2005 and this year marked my 1t6h year living in America, the country that I now call home.

I came as an International Exchange Teacher through the (formerly) VIF Program, now called Participate.

My bachelor's Degree in Education with a mayor in bilingual Education is from my native country.

I taught for Uruguay's Public Schools System for about 16 years before coming here.

I am certified to teach Spanish & EL, k-12 in the USA and I have a Masters degree in Applied Linguistics to form the UEA (Spain).

My philosophy of teaching is largely a reflection of my philosophy of living.

I believe that each day we are all both teachers and learners, that's why I always encourage my students to develop a lifelong commitment of personal growth through their own awareness, to see the beauty in life that surrounds them and that is within -to inspire- them.

I see each student as an unique individual as I honor different learning styles, abilities and frustrations with sensitivity and respect.

I strongly believe that support and encouragement are both a very important part of the learning process for any student.

When I first began teaching, I modeled my teaching style after a mixture of good professors and teachers I had. Over the years, I have gained confidence & experience through teaching and professional development, but most of all, I have learned from my students ways to improve my teaching.

I am married to Joe, a wonderful man and my best friend.

I love to read, gardening and animals. I have two beautiful children, and 4 furry ones: "Otto" the stubborn one ( like most Dachshunds), an adorable Labradoodle named "Olivia" and 2 of her Aussiedoodles puppies, sweet "Lucy" and the shy "Lupita".

When I am not teaching, studying or grading assignments, you'll find me gardening or painting, which is hobby and my passion -specially lighthouses-.

Now, what is an English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher?

ESL teachers work with English Language Learners (ELLs), or those students for whom English is not their primary language. ESL teachers work with ELLs to help them acquire fluency in English, both spoken and in the written word. ESL teachers, who may work with students of all ages, from kindergarten through twelfth grade, must achieve state-specific credentials in ESL if they work in a public school setting.ESL teachers also serve as a cultural bridge for students, linking a student’s native culture with their new cultural experience in the United States. As such, ESL teachers help students recognize the similarities between the two cultures.

The globalization of business and the influx of immigrants to the U.S. have both driven the growth of English language learners and the need for educators who are skilled in teaching this unique group of learners. According to Face the Facts USA, a Project of George Washington University, 10 percent of all public school students in the United States are English as Second Language (ESL) Learners/English Language Learners (ELLs), meaning they have limited English proficiency.

The Important Work of ESL Teachers

ESL instruction must meet specific education laws, including state and federal requirements. Although curriculum for ESL teachers may vary from state to state, all states are currently required to provide ESL learning programs that meet federal mandates for education, including the No Child Left Behind Act.ESL teachers may work in ELL classrooms as primary educators, or they may work alongside primary teachers as auxiliary support. Providing support in typical classrooms has become commonplace for ESL teachers as many states seek to immerse ELLs in regular class settings. The ultimate goal of ESL teachers is to ensure that ELLs become fluent as to meet the same standards as native English learners.

Some of the most important goals of ESL teachers involve:

*Providing environments that are orchestrated to provide opportunities for making meaning, rather than simply recalling new vocabulary or other facts.

*Providing a supportive environment where appropriate cognitive challenges exist and conditions that produce threat and anxiety are reduced.

*Providing comprehensive input, which includes conveying a message in language that is pitched just beyond what the ELL students can produce themselves.

My Schedule for WSHS:

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
AM	X	WSHS	x	x	X
PM	WSHS	x	WSHS	x	X

Name: Daniella Maria Laviano Robinson
Position: ESL Teacher - Spanish Instructor
Email

Other: MA in Applied Linguistics

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