NJTESOL/NJBE ELECTION – 2008

March 15, 2008

Dear Members,

Below please find a review of the candidates who have been nominated for the various executive board positions. Each year half of the executive board positions are up for election. Each position is set for a two year term and candidates may serve two terms (four years).  In light of our current presidential primaries, we know that every vote counts, so I encourage you to participate in this process.

As members, you will receive a paper ballot through the mail to fill out and return.  On that form, you also have an opportunity to write in a candidate of your choice.

As always, thank you for your support and participation in our organization.

Sincerely.

Elizabeth (BJ) Franks

President

CANDIDATES REVIEW

Vice-President

Judie Haynes

• ESL Teacher, River Edge Public Schools
• Master's in Language Education, French, Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Executive Board member for 16 years: ESL Elementary SIG Chair, (1992-1996); Representative at Large (1996-1998); and Editor of Voices (1998-present). 
• Elementary Education Interest Section (EEIS) Chair Elect, Chair and Past-Chair (2000-2003) for International TESOL. I have been on the EEIS Board
  for 14 years
• Served on the TESOL Nominating Committee during the 2006-2007 school year
• Presented for both TESOL and NJTESOL/BE every year for the past 16 years.

Professionals Interests: I am interested in helping classroom teachers work with their English language learners and in advocating for English language learners on local, state and national levels.              
Goals: I have always been interested as an ESL/bilingual teacher in being an advocate for linguistically and culturally diverse students.  This advocacy needs to take place locally in our own schools as well as on the state and national level.  Local advocacy includes making our colleagues, supervisors and administrators aware of the needs of our students. We need to advocate for parity in our physical space, the number of students we teach each day, and equitable materials. The next few years will be very important to our students. On the state level we should be advocating for our students as the Bilingual Code is reauthorized.  We also want to advocate for fairness in the testing of our students.  On the national level, we need to write to our representatives in Congress when NCLB Act is renewed.

Liaison

Eva D. Rogozinski

· ESL Resource Teacher/Consultant/Adjunct Professor
Clifton Public Schools/ WIDA Consultant/ William Paterson University

· M.A. Instruction and Curriculum/ESL, Kean University

· ESL Public school teacher for grade 6-8 directly working with content
area teachers and administrators,

· Adjunct professor in the BE/ESL graduate program at William Paterson University,

· Liaison for NJTESOL/NJBE for FLENJ,

· WIDA consultant- presenter at various venue for the WIDA Consortium,

· Presenter at various school districts, conferences such as IRC in Illinois 2005 and 2006, NJEA presenter 2006 and 2007, presenter at NJTESOL/NJBE conference 2003 and 2004.

Professional Interests: Creation of a 'sheltered' assessment to measure English language
learners, other than Spanish speakers in the concepts and skills in Mathematics and Science in K-12, the creation of a "Reading for ELLs" course at NJ university for BE/ESL teacher certification that reflects  the current research in the field, providing content area teachers with the strategies necessary to successfully teach ELLs, collaboration between all state organizations in the areas of immigration as it affects children in NJ public schools.
Goals: During my second tenure, I would like to see our annual conference grow even more in terms of Publisher support of donations and keynote speakers. I would like to strengthen my relationships with the various publishers and expand on the Fall Institute.

Treasurer

Lillianne Cruz-Argemil

• Bilingual resource teacher – Perth Amboy Schools
• Member of NABE and TESOL
• MA Educational Administration Kean University
• Bilingual teacher
• Served as treasurer for NJTESOL-NJBE 

Professional interests: As a bilingual resource teacher, I am very interested in bilingual literacy and effective strategies to use in the bilingual classroom. I am also interested in Parental and community involvement as I serve as a youth leader in my church.

Goals: To ensure that the financial records are kept accurately, to create a balanced budget and to monitor the timely submission of monthly and quarterly treasurer reports.

Bilingual Education Grades 1-8

Tina Kern

• Teacher - Bilingual/ESL, Morris Public Schools
• Member of NJTESOL/NJBE, TESOL, NABE, ASCD, NCTE, NCSS, NEA, NJEA
• MA+ Education (Spanish, English, Bilingual, Elementary)
  Rutgers University, Kean University, William Paterson University, Rider University
• ESL/Bilingual teacher for over 20 years, encompassing all levels from Kindergarten to the college level.  My certifications include English as a Second Language, Bilingual, Spanish, English, and Elementary Education.
• Helped write ESL and Language Art curricula in my district.
• Member of the Legislative Committee of NJTESOL/NJBE,
• Recently I was honored to be asked to complete the previous Bilingual Special Interest Group Representative's position on the Executive Board. 

Professional Interests: I have been interested in the continual development of Bilingual and English as a Second Language Education for my entire professional career.  I read research and articles, pilot new techniques and advocate for our Bilingual students.  As a lifelong learner, I am constantly searching for the best way to facilitate the advancement of our students by sharing ideas with colleagues and providing the best education possible in the classroom.  To that end, I attend workshops, and stay current with practices and legislation.  Also, being a part of NJTESOL/NJBE, and especially part of the Executive Board, is one of the consummate ways to promote best practices and support our ESL/Bilingual  community.

Goals: One of the most important functions of a Special Interest Group Representative is to facilitate communication between the members of the SIG.  To that end, I am creating a network of Bilingual educators, providing support and assistance to our members.  I hope to have a forum where Bilingual members can be in contact with other members for the purpose of sharing information, being informed, and promoting best practices.  I am proactive and cognizant of the special challenges of Bilingual students.  I intend to continue to keep informed on all issues that affect our Bilingual and second language community, while raising awareness of the importance of our students' successes.  I am a dedicated and motivated educator who intends to continue to voice concerns and promote the exchange of ideas among the members of our SIG. I look forward to continuing the work I have begun on the Board. 

Bilingual Secondary Education

1) Janet Kaback

• Bilingual Teacher - Social Studies, Newark Public Schools
• Affiliations:   NJTESOL-NJBE, Inc.; NABE; TESOL; NJPSA; NTU; AFT
• MA-TESOL 1988; MA Educational Leadership expected 8/2008
  TESOL/ Bilingual Education; Educational Leadership, Kean University
• Current Bilingual Secondary Education SIG Representative;
• Former ESL Secondary SIG Representative;
• 20 years teaching experience in the field of ESL/Bilingual Education-Grades k-12 & Community College

Professional Interests: I am deeply involved with furthering the scope of opportunities available to the ELLs and in advocating for our students - who are all legitimate human beings - who deserve to pursue their dreams and to help the educators who work towards these goals.

Goals: I will continue to work with NJTESOL-NJBE in its endeavors to promote the welfare and well-being of ELLS (ESL & Bilingual Students) so that they receive all of the education to which they are, or should be, entitled. In continuing to research trends, techniques, and methods in Bilingual Education, including SIOP, I will assist in resolving the inevitable problems and situations that arise when dealing with the educational system, laws, and students to the best of my abilities

2) Carmen Collins

· Bilingual teacher high school, Bridgeton Public Schools

· Affiliations:   SIOP CREDE NABE

· BA History, Temple University

· Graduate work with Georgian Court University and Penn State  

Professional Interests: I am dedicated to the improvement of bilingual education and its application for our children, and in educating the public and non bilingual teachers in the field of bilingual and ESL. 

Goals: To develop a better form of communication for teachers with regard to bilingual education, the state law regarding bilingual education and ESL.  To help establish a site with research based strategies on bilingual educational and ESL. To contact districts and offer professional development for not only bilingual/ESL instructors, but mainstream and non bilingual/ESL educators

Teacher Education

Dr. Mary Emilie Steinacker

• Supervisor of Social Studies and Performing Arts, Oakcrest High School
• Doctorate Educational Leadership, Rowan University
• Previous NJTESOL-NJBE Board Member;
• Cultural Awareness Presenter across the state, and at NJTESOL/NJBE Spring and Fall Conferences,
• Coordinator of International Fair at Brigantine,
• Adjunct faculty at Richard Stockton State College teaching Intro to ESL and previously at Georgian Court University, Montclair State University, Atlantic Cape Community College, St. Michael's College in Vermont, and Jersey City University;
• Taught adult ESL students at Atlantic Cape Community College

Professional Interests: Cultural Awareness workshops for educators; Working with
adult ESL students; Teaching others to embrace diversity; participation in international fairs    

Goals: I feel that increasing my knowledge of the issues and events pertaining to bilingual education/ESL is of utmost importance as well as the new immigration
laws. As the Teacher Education SIG representative, I will work at keeping educators abreast of the current trends in teaching ESL students as well as offer cultural sensitivity workshops.

Adult Education

Ana Cruz

• Retired Administrator; Adult Education Program Director
• Kean University Adjunct Professor for students enrolled in the ESL Masters.
• Educational  Consultant
• Over 40 years involved in the education of children and families in New Jersey in the areas of Adult Education, Bilingual Education and ESL
• NJTESOL/NJBE executive board member
• NJIPN;
• University Supervisor for Kean University- supervising students in
  the areas of Bilingual Education and Spanish.
• Board of Education Member
• MA  Administration and Supervision; Bilingual/ESL Kean University

Professional Interests: I am interested in all education issues affecting immigrant families and ELL children in New Jersey. I advocate for a Comprehensive Immigration Reform that gives all immigrants a path to citizenship; opportunities to learn English; get the skills needed for a job that improves the quality of life for all families in New Jersey. I am interested in high quality teacher preparation programs in the areas of ESL and Bilingual Education, and funding and leadership for Adult Education Programs as well as Bilingual and ESL Programs.

Goals: I want to continue my advocacy efforts for policies that affect immigrant families in the State of New Jersey; funding for Adult Education Programs; opportunities for families to become American Citizens; opportunities for ELL children and their families to access resources available; opportunities for higher education and for parents to be a voice in the education of their children.

Supervisors

1) Diana Sefchik

· Director of ESL/Bilingual, Academic Support, and World Languages Programs,

   North Plainfield School District

· Master of Arts Degree in Teaching: Social Studies and Spanish, Seton Hall University

· Master of Arts Degree in ESL, Kean University

· Current member of the NJPSA ELL Committee.

· Past president of AAUW Raritan Valley chapter

· Current ESL adjunct professor at Raritan Valley Community

· Previously a TSE Rater at Educational Testing Service.

· Member of NJTESOL/NJBE, TESOL, FLENJ. PENN TESOL, MDTESOL, NYTESOL, & WATESOL.

· Appointed in 2006 as Supervisors Special Interest Group representative

Professional interests: I have worked with the district content area supervisors to implement SIOP across the curriculum. As a district supervisor I have presented material related to ELLS – SIOP, ACCESS, WIDA Standards and curriculum, and ELL procedures at new teacher training seminars, yearly in-services, and to other administrators. In district I maintain an ELL Procedures website in which I continually post strategies, articles and related information for district staff members to utilize and support the teaching of ELLs. I have worked with the Somerset County Department of Education Office to inform county supervisors of initiatives for ELLs: SIOP, WIDA, ACCESS, etc. I have presented at local educational meetings, teacher meetings, TESOL conferences, and to other school districts on all related ESL topics. As a supervisor of ESL, I participate in I&RS meetings to assure that our ELL students receive appropriate programs and support.

Goals Many supervisors wear diverse hats and supervise a number of departments. I would like to continue our collaboration and discussions about ELL concerns and issues that we face daily and to dialogue on how to balance all the parts of our jobs so that we can assure that the school community is supportive in the success of our ELLs.  As a Supervisor SIG, we need to be united and vocal in our support of best practices in data analysis techniques, the SRA process; the changes for the high school graduation that are looming on the horizon; and for fairness and equity for our students. I pledge to continue to get involved with workshops of advocacy, be present at NJTESOL/NJBE, and participate in NJPSA ELL Committee. My ultimate goal is to make our Supervisor SIG a visible and dynamic group. In our jobs as supervisors we are in the position to impact change – in our school district, in the community, in our state. We work with students, teachers, parents, other administrators – our role of supervisor connects with the entire educational community.  Let our voices be heard – let us collaborate to help our ELLs succeed and surpass.

2) Regina M. Postogna

• ELL/Bilingual Supervisor, Asbury Park School District
• M.A. Educational Administration, M.A. Instruction and
  Curriculum-Bilingual Option
• Raised in a family of English Language Learners.
• Fluent in English, Spanish, social knowledge of Italian

Professional Interests: To pursue my education in the area of educational administration with an emphasis on English Language Learners.

Goals:  To obtain a deeper understanding of the needs of the students and staff
in all of the school districts in New Jersey. Once a global picture of the state of ESL/Bilingual education is obtained I will then be in an excellent position to collaborate with supervisors and administrators in order to meet these needs. It will give me the opportunity to network with other professionals in the ESL and Bilingual education.