Two MCPS teachers of English as a Second Language and one principal were honored for their outstanding work during a May 19 ceremony held at John F. Kennedy High School.

The teacher awards, established in 1987, are given by the MCPS ESOL/Bilingual Advisory Committee (EBAC) to recognize teachers - generally one each at the elementary, middle and high school levels - who have demonstrated excellent teaching and leadership qualities in guiding students with limited English proficiency.

In 1996, the Committee established the Principal of the Year award in order to recognize a principal who has demonstrated outstanding support to the ESOL/bilingual program.

Candidates are nominated by school staff and colleagues, supported by parents and students. Recipients are selected by EBAC.

Teachers who received Outstanding ESOL Teachers Awards are:

§ Synthia Woodcock Dang, Oakland Terrace Elementary School
§ Melinda B. Fox, Seneca Valley High School

The Principal of the Year is:

§ Philip F. Gainous, Montgomery Blair High School

In addition, the City of Gaithersburg received the Friend of ESOL Award.

State Senator Ida Ruben and her husband Judge Leonard Ruben presented 497 students with awards for their outstanding academic progress or adjustment to school. All ESOL/bilingual teachers were encouraged to nominate students. For each school, teachers may nominate one recipient per 20 ESOL students.

The ESOL/Bilingual Advisory Committee was established by concerned language minority community members to facilitate and increase communication between the MCPS Division of ESOL/Bilingual Programs and the international community of Montgomery County. The committee serves as an advocacy group in matters related to English language learners, recommends program improvements, reviews materials, identifies community educational concerns and shares this information with the Board of Education.

EBAC is currently recruiting new members. Interested parents and community members are invited to participate. For information, contact the ESOL Office at 301-230-0670.