TESOL Testimonials
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My name is Roseann Gapusan and I am a summer 2021 MAT ESOL graduate of KSU. I became
aware of the program through Cobb County School District. CCSD and KSU started a program
where qualified paraprofessionals could get their teaching certificate in 4 semesters
and have their full-time work count as clinical experience in many instances. At the
time I was transitioning out of another career. I felt the education profession calling
me. This gave me the perfect opportunity. I was able to keep my paraprofessional job
and meet the requirements of the MAT ESOL program. My class was the first cohort of
Cobb paraprofessionals completing this program. It was intense and gratifying at the
same time. A core group of paraprofessional-MAT candidates gave each other support
and guidance throughout this program, that happened to be during the COVID lockdowns
and virtual teaching.
My favorite aspect of the program was learning about pedagogy, and historical and current developments in advocating for English Learners. It is something I deal with every day. What I am most grateful for is the study of instructional strategies and knowing the data behind these strategies. It has been incredibly helpful in my practice.
For anyone looking to enter the education profession, I recommend this program. The faculty are high caliber when it comes to knowledge of content, instruction and real-life guidance. The office staff was also very helpful in guiding me through the requirements of the state and county certification process.
Currently, I am an ESOL Environmental Science teacher at Pebblebrook High School in Cobb County. I am certified at the professional level in ESOL K-12 and Broad Based Science 6-12. I always aspired to work in a Title 1 and Title 3 school. The MAT ESOL program at KSU helped me achieve that goal. Everyday I feel that my work matters, makes a difference and that I am equipped to support and teach my students.
