Stepping into Heather Byington’s classroom is like visiting a different country. And according to Byington, it’s the blend of cultures and traditions in her classroom that make it such a great place to teach everyday. Byington teaches English-as-a-second-language (ELL) at Evergreen Elementary School in Shelton Washington, and is one of nine teachers to win the 2009 regional teacher award from OSPI.

Spending her mornings teaching in English, and afternoons teaching in Spanish, the ELL teacher of six years always focuses on creativity in her classroom. Chants, drama skits and various games are a part of her lessons everyday. Byington said it’s a fun and enjoyable way to incorporate literacy. And the students, well, according to her, “they love it,” she said.

Washington’s schools are diverse, with over 75,000 English language learners (ELLs) enrolled in 2007. They attend schools throughout the state, but mostly in the Puget Sound region. And according to OSPI, English language proficiency is a significant factor in determining student success on the WASL.

A passionate teacher herself, Byington said great teachers are those who are passionate about their subjects, and teach because they view it as a “mission or calling rather than a career,” she said. When teaching ELL, she emphasizes the importance of connecting with students, and those teachers who personalize their teaching are most effective, according to Byington. The Dual Language Enrichment Program at Evergreen was developed so students can use language as much as possible, in a variety of ways. 

Married and a mother to three young children, she is quite busy. Yet when she finds some free time its reading, traveling, and swimming that top her list. However, when she walks through her classroom door, it’s the variety and diversity that ELL teaching brings everyday that she loves most.