“Teachers are expected to reach unattainable goals with inadequate tools. The miracle is that, at times, they accomplish this impossible task.” Haim Ginott

Dr. Ginott must have known some bilingual and ESL teachers in New Jersey. This quote is so true for many of us in this field. The aims of the NCLB Act certainly make us feel that they are unattainable goals and, unfortunately, many of us are still teaching in substandard rooms with minimal materials. However, in many ways, we succeed with helping our students overcome the obstacles placed in their way to master their new language and culture.

       As an organization of ESL and bilingual educators, we want to promote best practices in all schools and programs throughout the state of New Jersey so that we have attainable goals and adequate tools. At the national level, the Executive Board members of NJTESOL-NJBE, along with the NABE and TESOL officers, continue to advocate changing the NCLB goals so that they are attainable. At the state level, we work to influence code and procedures that will directly impact the classroom and the services that our ELLs receive. As always, we need you to support our endeavors by staying informed, contacting legislators, informing your administrators about best practices, keeping parents involved and reaching out to your colleagues. If you are interested in becoming more involved, consider running for one of our elected positions on the Executive Board. A Call for Nominations is included in Voices on pages 14 and 15.

       We know that despite the barriers, you make a difference every day with your students. We would like to hear about your successes — individual stories or collective journeys. Perhaps a former student is now a successful lawyer, doctor, businessman, or educator. Perhaps you had a class/group complete a phenomenal project or perform for the school or their parents. Perhaps you had a parental group achieve a difficult task. If so, please consider writing an article for the newsletter highlighting your success. In addition, we want to document anecdotally the “miracles in New Jersey” so please, send us your accomplishments either electronically (efranks@njtesol-njbe.org) or by snail mail: 122 East Sixth Avenue, Roselle, NJ 07203, so that we can publicize your achievements at the Spring Conference. Let us celebrate the wonderful work that you do!