Hello Everyone. I'm a high school mathematics and physics teacher at a private school in Los Angeles. I currently teach Honors Algebra II and AP Calculus. I currently do not have any ELL students in the classes that I teach. I'm completing this program in order to clear my preliminary California teaching certificate.  (I was prepared out of state, so my coursework in college did not include ELL courses).  I think it's appropriate to modify curriculum materials when necessary.  I believe that equity in education is achieved not when every student gets the same exact materials or is taught in the same exact way, but when every student gets what they need to be successful. 

I've taken many other online courses.  I'm also interested in college counseling so I completed my master's in Guidance and Counseling from LMU, and I'm currently finishing my last class for a College Counseling Certificate through UCLA Extension.  I'm also currently enrolled in Foundations and Methods of English Language.

Fun Facts: I was born in south suburban Chicago, and I'm a huge Chicago Cubs fan! I went to University of Michigan, and I love Wolverine football. Go Blue. I just got married approximately 6 months ago! I've been an Irish Dancer since I was about three years old.   

My personal e-mail is Jessica.FR.Mirch@gmail.com

Since I've graduated college, I've taught at a charter school (as part of Teach For America) and now at a private school for the last four years. Neither school has an ELL program, and to my knowledge, I've never taught a student who has identified as ELL.  However, when I read an article like this (1.5 million English Learners in California), I wonder if that was really the case? If it takes a student 10 years to be pretty sufficient in our crazy English language, I wonder if students who sound conversationally fluent in English are being overlooked in many scenarios.  That being said, this article cited several trends that ELL programs in the United States are improving. I know it's difficult with big education reform initiatives to accurately track the results; however, this article gave some promising data.

By the way - the poem this week is pretty funny! 

That Ohio State game did break my heart, but I already have my tickets to go see Cubbies Spring Training in AZ this spring! Can't wait.

I have been to Ireland, but not in a long time. I've never been to Dublin though, so that's on my list!

Nice to virtually meet you :)

Hi Kris,

The same text isn't required, but I have seen the SIOP Model listed as a topic in some upcoming modules, so I'm sure it will come in handy.

Looking forward to this course. Have a great week. 

Zingerman's! My mouth is watering.  

My friend actually started the Irish Dance team at Notre Dame :) 

Laura & Ancelmo - 

Wow! My mom is one of 9 brothers and sisters, and I thought that was a lot! I have about 35 first cousins. We all get together for major holidays and it's a blast. You both must have a lot of nieces and nephews too! Great to meet you.