FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) — A teacher at Hamilton Southeastern High School is doing something special that is getting the attention of the Indiana Department of Education.
The Indiana State Department of Education says she is helping transform the lives of students new to the United States from the classroom.
“I have the best students. They bring so much joy. It’s really about them. I’m grateful to be a part of this,” said Becky, a new English teacher at Hamilton Southeastern High School.・Mr. Schroeder said.
Becky Schroeder is not your typical teacher.
She used her love of language and culture to help English language learners succeed and attracted the attention of the Indiana Department of Education.
“They just bring, and when I say them, I’m saying other cultures, but that just fills my heart. It’s my passion. It’s my suite. It’s like a spot,” Schroeder said.
Ms. Schroeder recently received the English Learner Educator Excellence Award for her work building community and ensuring support for her students.
Kathryn Watts, an English as a new language teacher in the Pike Township Metropolitan School District, was also an award recipient.
Schroeder said students come to Indiana from countries such as Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, China and India.
“As I acclimate to a new culture, new world, new foods, and new languages, I find that making my children feel seen, heard, and valued really brings out my strengths as a mother. “Sometimes it feels like it’s going to go away,” Schroeder said.
“It can be really difficult when you come to a new country and don’t understand the language, but she helps us a lot,” said Zara Leal, a student at HSE High School.
“I love it because my teacher always tells me that I can improve myself and my English,” said HSE High School student Jose Challis.
Schroeder said these students and their families face a variety of challenges.
“Many of our students come from warmer climates, and when they come here, we just teach them things like proper clothing, what lotion is, why their hands get cracked, and we help them with that and help them adapt to food. It’s just a medical challenge,” Schroeder said.
But Schroeder says having the ability to speak another language is a powerful tool to create a positive impact.
“It’s important to see how we’re growing, how we’re changing, and the amazing stories our children are sharing.”
Overall, Schroeder said she is grateful to all the students and teachers who have supported her along her journey.