Dr. Bryan Meadows, a language professor, teaching Intermediate ESL Writing and Teaching Methods for World Languages, recently accepted a position on the New Jersey Department of Education’s Bilingual Advisory Committee.
It was announced earlier this fall that Meadows had accepted this position. It is a two-year position, beginning in 2018 and ending in 2020, with meetings at the New Jersey Department of Education main office in Trenton every other month during the school year.
The committee is made up of ESL teachers and bilingual language teachers, parents of ESL students, members of the school board, and members from higher learning institutes, like Meadows.
Dr. Meadows said that the committee is focused on an array of issues including possible changes to current policies and the addition of new policies.
“This committee provides input and advice to NJDOE policymakers on matters concerning Bilingual Education (including ESL) in New Jersey K-12 public schools,” Meadows said.
Meadows was unable to elaborate further, as his first committee meeting is not until October 10th.
The overall goal of ESL programs in public schools is to offer comprehensive help to students who did not learn English as a first language and need additional help to master the language.
The committee aims to ensure that the ESL programs are functioning properly within the schools.
Some students are impressed and delighted that a professor from Seton Hall is making the time to give back to his community in this way.
“I think that it is a good idea to have professors like Meadows on the board as they have first-hand experience in teaching ESL” John Ruela, a freshman diplomacy and international relations major, said.
“I am especially glad to have a professor from Seton Hall on the board because I believe Seton Hall has a lot to offer.”
Many students echoed this and believe that, because the school has the resources, it is important that the school also gives back.
Other students do not fully understand why professors from Seton Hall would be chosen.
Lawrence Miloscia, a freshman visual and sound media major, said.
“I don’t totally understand why they would want someone from Seton Hall because we are not part of the public school system and are not as involved in what is going on,” Miloscia said.
However, the committee is made up of members from throughout the community to ensure that it is well-rounded and has a greater impact.
Rylee Nelson can be reached at rylee.nelson@student.shu.edu.
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