Students from Puerto Rico adapting to life at School District 166

In the past year, Cook County Schools has seen the arrival of a number of students from Puerto Rico. In addition to adapting to our winter climate, these students—two in 11th grade; one in eighth grade and one third-grader—face the challenge of learning a second language, while participating in the regular school curriculum.

The four students from Puerto Rico are assisted with language learning by an English as a Second Language instructor. This is just the second year that School District 166 has had a teacher dedicated to this ESL position.

WTIP checked in with ISD 166 Principal Megan Myers to learn more about the work of the ESL teacher.

Myers tells us this teacher fills an interesting role, not just helping the more recent Spanish-speaking students, but any student who may come to the school with English as a second language. Myers said there are currently 100 different languages being spoken in the state of Minnesota.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence learn more in this interview.