I know that title sounds like someone has died. No. No one has died in the true sense but it sure feels like a death of sorts. Two and a half years ago we were on our way to finishing our home study and traveling to bring the boys home. At that time we were working with the local school and a wonderful English Language Learning consultant.
Mary, the consultant, holds a doctorate and probably more degrees than a thermometer but more importantly she has a passion for kids who are undertaking an overwhelming task of learning English. She not only cares for the kids but for the families. To sit across a table from her and listen to her speak about the brain of an ELL student, their learning hurdles, their native language and the steps a child will take on the journey to English is humbling to say the least. It is an experience that I could wish for any internationally adoptive family.
This devoted lady learned recently that at the end of this school year she will no longer have her current job, serving ELL students and their families. Our legislature here in Iowa, in their infinite (not) wisdom and total understanding (not at all) has decided that this is an area to cut the educational budget.
At a time when law makers are making derogatory noises about our education system and teachers, they choose to cut a dedicated, professional person from the herd. You may argue that these lawmakers did not personally single out Mary, I disagree. I think that the legislature cut the employment area that has the least likely chance for backlash. Struggling families who are concentrating on their child's needs or who themselves are trying to master the American culture and English language are not constituents that they are too worried about.
As a true educational professional, Mary has chosen to take the high road with grace. Before leaving she is speaking to, training and providing materials to as many of the local teachers, school offices and families as possible. Even though she is leaving us, she has left us with a wealth of knowledge and most importantly a piece of her heart. We wish you all the best in the future, Mary, thank you for helping our specialized families.
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