EMU Today

YPSILANTI – A federal grant totaling more than $2.6 million will enable Eastern Michigan University to support and train 300 Michigan teachers in the critically needed area of helping students learn English as a foreign language.

EMU’s work under the grant will help the state of Michigan address the growing number of students whose primary language is not English – a key step in the facilitating the continuing globalization of the state and its economy. There are more than such 90,000 students in Michigan, a rise of 200 percent in the past five years, according to federal data.

The grant, which runs over five years, will allow EMU to train about 60 teachers a year in how to support English learners in content area classes by helping them improve writing and language skills for English language learners. The teachers will enroll in Eastern’s program in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).

To accomplish this, a collaborative team will develop and implement professional ESL-Endorsement training for teachers and paraprofessionals, as well as conduct family literacy activities through the EMU Writing Project’s Family Literacy Program, and offer free English as a Second Language classes to children and adults using academic service learning pedagogy. 

The project team includes principal investigator Zuzana Tomas, a professor of World Languages; co-investigator Bill Tucker, a professor of English language and literature and director of the Eastern Michigan Writing Project (EMWP); and Sarah Lorenz, director of professional development for the EMWP.

The EMWP, which is part of a network of almost 200 national writing project sites in the U.S., seeks to improve student writing and thinking by sharpening the teaching of writing, along with providing professional development programs for teachers.

Shawn Quilter, a professor of teacher education at Eastern, will conduct the evaluation of the project required by the U.S. Department of Education.

Project addresses crucial need in state

“This project addresses a crucial need in Michigan,” Tomas said. “With a plan designed to support 300 teachers in obtaining their English as a Second Language credential, EMU can play a significant role in helping communities and their students. This effort will have major ripple effects in terms of aiding a wide variety of families, including low-income, migrant or refugee families.”

The multi-layered nature of the grant also allows opportunities for improved preparation of preservice teachers at EMU.

As Tomas explained: “Those currently studying to become ESL teachers at EMU now have more opportunities to engage in the community as part of their coursework. Future teachers will work together to offer after-school programing to elementary schools, and deliver free ESL classes to their parents, along with participating in family literacy events at local schools.”

Mary Anne Jaeger, an EL instructional coach for Ypsilanti Community Schools and former principal in Ann Arbor, praised the community collaboration between EMU and area schools. "This intentional and inspiring work embodies the type of community effort required to provide the opportunities our students deserve," she said. "Thank you, EMU, for leading the way to build cultural awareness and teaching excellence among our Michigan Educators."

Numerous English language learners in county

Naomi Norman, the Assistant Superintendent of Achievement and Student Services for the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, says that with over 2,500 in Washtenaw County who are English language learners, it is critical that the area has teachers who are skilled at working with non-native English speaking children.

“We are excited that EMU received this significant grant, which will allow the university to provide much needed professional development for teachers,” Norman said. “The 5.7 percent of the students in Washtenaw County who are English language learners really need teachers with specialized skills to address their unique learning needs."

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 22,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website