Let Our Children Soar! the Complexity and Possibilities of Educating the English Language Student - by Bolgen Vargas (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This is a story about English language learners - one in particular - and a reflection on what we, as educators, can do to promote their success. As educators, we're faced every day with the question of how to teach the thousands - many thousands - of children who arrive in our schools as immigrants and refugees, coming with no English, from cultural backgrounds so different from America's, often from impoverished households and often from households where education of the kind we know was completely absent. Our work as educators is to help these children start to climb the wall that stands between their past, wherever and however that was lived, and a future in America, where their education will prepare them to take advantage of the same opportunities everyone else here enjoys. This is not an easy job. But it's one we can't afford to get wrong. And this is not a small corner in our education system today. The number of English language learners in U.S. school systems is large and growing. And the educators involved in teaching this exceptional population include basically everyone, not just those teachers with direct classroom contact. When they're in the building, the entire school is the English language learner's world.

Review Quotes

"By telling his own personal story, as an immigrant and English language learner, Bolgen Vargas vividly illustrates how teachers and school environments can tap into a young person's motivations and help them "soar," as he says, to their full potential. In addition to his inspiring story, Bolgen encourages us to examine the limitations in our school systems and think about how we, as educators, can influence meaningful change that supports both students and teachers. This book is a must read for all teachers and school administrators."

Dr. Adam Urbanski, President of the Rochester Teachers Association and Vice President of the American Federation of Teachers

"I wish every teacher, every school administrator who is working with k-12 immigrants and their families would read this book. It is touching, invigorating and an excellent resource for deeper discussions and reflection on the power of educators and the potential for each student to soar."

Dr. Vicma Ramos, Superintendent of Wayne-Finger Lakes Boces, former ELL teacher

"Let Our Children Soar! is powerful. For students, this book is a memoir filled with hope and inspiration. Imagine the classroom discussions that would occur as students wrestle with immigration, language, perseverance and opportunity! For teachers and administrators, it is a case study to open opportunities for reflection, discourse and application. This book will leave a lasting impact on all who read it."

Ellen Tuohey, Elementary Teacher

About the Author

Bolen Vargas' life began in a small rural hamlet in the Dominican Republic where he walked barefoot to school or, on a lucky day, rode on the back of a donkey. As a teenager without any knowledge of the English language he transitioned to the bewildering environment of New York City to join his mother. He beat the odds that his beginnings would have predicted by graduating from high school. A graduate of SUNY Brockport and from the University of Pennsylvania, GSE, he spent his entire career educating children from all walks of life. He served as Superintendent of the Rochester, NY School District and the Manchester, NH School District.