Rosaura Englehart teaches social studies to sixth and eighth grade Dual Language students at Bradley Middle School. She loves watching them mature from timid sixth graders to confident eighth graders.
“My students amaze me every day,” said Englehart. “I try to go to their games, music performances and practices because I want them to know I’m here for them. These kids know they’re my kids. We’re like family here.”
Englehart has done a little bit of everything since she joined North East ISD in 2008. She once taught kindergarten and went on to work as an early childhood specialist and a member of the Dual Language team.
Apart from age, she thinks there isn’t much difference between a kindergartener and an eighth grader.
“Middle school is a sweet spot,” said Englehart. “I started off as a kindergarten teacher and I think there are more than a few similarities between kindergarteners and eighth graders. It’s like they’re on the cusp of something bigger and better.”
There’s no doubt that Englehart’s students are on the cusp of something bigger. As Dual Language students, they committed to becoming bilingual in kindergarten. Sticking to this pathway is rewarding and enriching. Englehart knows first-hand how valuable the program is.
“Our Dual Language department at NEISD is absolutely fantastic. Everything is research-based.”
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a core part of Englehart’s teaching approach. She starts each day with a mindfulness exercise with her students. The breathing exercise gets them ready to learn and reconnects them with each other and their commitment to being the best students they can be. Her students recently shared this technique at the Bradley faculty meeting. Click here to learn more.
NEISD offers the Dual Language Program Model at 16 elementary schools, five middle schools and one high school. To read more about the program, click here.
