Teacher Appreciation Week: Spotlight on International Newcomers Academy

This article was written by guest author Michael Patterson, Community Liaison, at Margaret W. Wong & Associates LLC. Margaret W. Wong & Associates LLC has graciously sponsored Teacher Appreciation Week, SC4K’s weeklong celebration of the educators we serve through our Teacher Resource Center. 

On behalf of Margaret W. Wong & Associates, I would like to use this opportunity, in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, to praise the work of the teachers, staff, and aides at Natividad Pagan International Newcomers Academy (INA) for their excellent work in educating young internationals in grades PreK-12 who have recently resettled in the United States.

Located on West 46th Street in Cleveland, INA “provides rigorous English as a Second Language (ESL) intervention classes and a comprehensive academic program to help you (i.e. the students) graduate and go on to college and a career.”

Indeed, the students are supported by such entities as highly trained teachers and staff, including “bilingual instructional aides who speak in the students’ native language to provide academic reinforcement.”

As good research has indicated*, English language proficiency is essential for immigrants and refugees “to properly integrate, take advantage of opportunities, and engage in American society. Proficiency in English not only makes daily interactions easier, but it also improves opportunities for career, academic success and general well being.”

In her book, The Immigrant’s Way, Margaret W. Wong wrote, “newcomers to this country need environments where they can improve their English, become fluent and become better contributors to society. Not only will learning how to speak English help immigrants find better jobs, it may open up cultural and social gateways, as well.”

And the teachers, aides, and staff at Natividad Pagan International Newcomers Academy provide such an environment as they work each day with their students.

*Addressing Challenges and Misconceptions Related to Immigrant English Language Aqcuisition, https://icommunityhealth.org/addressing-challenges-and-misconceptions-related-to-immigrant-english-language-acquisition/