The Courier reported in the June 24 article “Schools Take Community Input on Post-COVID Grant” that Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Freeman stated the grant will enable Guilford’s first employment an English language learner (ELL) teacher. In truth, it’ll be the first time for a contracted ELL teacher.

I and several others have been or were teaching English as a second language (ESL) since at least 1987, without a contract, although we hold bachelor and master’s degrees, and since its inception, Teacher of English as a Second Language state certification.

Personally, I began this aspect of my career on sub pay and eventually moved up to part-time based on the first step of the bachelor’s scale. Eventually, we were given six days sick leave annually and a mileage allowance for travel between schools. I had seldom worked within the limits of the hours for which I was paid. I started at the high school with barely any teaching materials and therefore created what was needed until eventually textbooks were included in the school budget. I created the ESL program for English and social studies at Guilford High School.

We’re expected to attend meetings that apply to our students, administer and correct standardized tests, prepare materials, confer with staff, and teach our student individually, in small groups and as paraprofessionals in the classroom. We get no support from the Connecticut Education Association because it doesn’t include part-time teachers in its membership.

In spite of this, we’re devoted to our students, giving them all the guidance and instruction that we can. This also includes helping their families adjust to our culture.

It’s wonderful that a contract is finally being offered. Our kids are generally hard-working and appreciative of the opportunities here. They deserve the best.

Jean Allen Courtney

Guilford