Many staff in Lewis-Palmer School District 38 exemplify what it means to be a part of this community, while sharing their talents and strengthening it. In this staff spotlight, we feature a parent who was first attracted to our community for our excellent schools, and who went on to contribute more than 25 years of volunteering, tutoring, interpreting and teaching within the district. Dr. Katie Scott, Multilingual Learner Specialist, sat down with Teresa Kulow, Multilingual Learner Teacher at Bear Creek Elementary School, to uncover the story of Teresa’s calling to become a Multilingual Learner (ML) teacher.
Tell me about your first day at LPSD. When was it and at what school? What was your position then?
I started out volunteering at Grace Best Elementary School in 1999 when our three children attended school there. One day, as I was signing in as a volunteer, the ladies at the front office asked if anybody could help them read an immunization record from Mexico. They had just gotten a new first grade student from Mexico who spoke only Spanish. I offered to help with the immunization record. I was asked if I could give the student an orientation of the school and later if I could work with her on some basic literacy skills. What started as a volunteer position, soon turned into a few hours a week of paid tutoring, then working part time in different capacities including interpreter, paraprofessional, and after school homework club coordinator. In 2014, I completed my teaching credential and began working at LPMS as an ML teacher. I worked there for seven years, took a year off, and this is my third year as an ML teacher at BCES.
Of all the places you could choose to live and work, why did you choose our community?
When we were looking for places to live in Colorado, we chose the Monument area specifically for its excellent schools with quality educational experiences. We have found it to be a community of caring families with high expectations. It has been a privilege and a blessing to work for D38 all these years.
What led you to choose serving as an ML teacher?
I was a stay-at-home mom before I started working for the school district in 2000. I wasn’t actually looking for a job when I started working in the district. I guess you could say that the job chose me. I soon realized that this was my calling. It made perfect sense to work with ML students, since I had been an ML student myself. I felt I could empathize with students and their families who came from linguistically diverse backgrounds. It was a perfect fit.
What is a favorite memory you have from working with students at BCES?
Some of my favorite memories have been made during our after school homework help sessions. Students are more relaxed after school, they open up to you, and feel free to act silly and be themselves. It feels much like family.
How do you feel you have personally grown as a professional?
I have learned that there is always something more to learn and to improve on. We must keep changing with the times, and try to keep up on the latest technology and research.
What advice do you have for any new ML teachers?
It takes a lot of patience. Acquiring a new language can take years, not weeks or months. Meet students where they’re at, and learning as much as you can about the families’ backgrounds will give you helpful insight regarding how to best meet your students’ needs. Believe in your students, and envision what great things they are capable of accomplishing in the future.
How do you support parents and guardians of your students?
I support families in any way possible, by making myself available, letting them know that I’m there for them through the good and the bad, listening to their concerns, and celebrating successes.
What words of inspiration would you like to offer your students to help them achieve success after they leave BCES?
I believe everyone has a calling and purpose in life. Draw on your faith to find yours, and you will reap great rewards.