Dr. Trudie McEvoy, a dedicated and passionate teacher, has recently joined our school’s English Language Development program (ELD). McEvoy’s journey into ELD education began during her college years when she volunteered to teach English to migrant workers. This experience was both eye-opening and transformative for her.
“No one had ever told me that they existed,” she said.
“Trees were growing in front of the migrant camps, almost hiding them from view, and that realization made me mad.”
Before joining our ELD program, McEvoy taught Spanish, but she found her true calling in teaching English. She appreciates the strong sense of community at our school since she has been in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Yet she feels that adapting to a new teaching environment comes with its set of challenges.
Her teaching philosophy centers on respecting the existing linguistic knowledge that her students possess.
“To teach English, you have to recognize that a student has already learned one or more other languages and that they are not a child.”
By acknowledging and building upon her students’ prior language experiences, she creates a more inclusive and effective learning environment that respects their intelligence and maturity.
Looking ahead, McEvoy’s primary goal is centered around her students’ well-being and academic growth.
“My goals for this school year are to do the best that I can for my students and to meet them where they are so that we can move forward from there,” she stated.
McEvoy’s dedication and thoughtful approach to teaching promise to bring valuable contributions to our school’s ELD program. Her emphasis on community, respect, and personalized learning strategies aligns perfectly with our school’s values and mission. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact she will have on our students and the school community in the coming year.
