Postcolonial Theories and TESOL: Exploring Implications for Teaching in U.S. Contexts

Abstract

One of my first experiences with teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) was during my years as an undergraduate, working with the Somali-Bantu Community Organization (SBCO) in Syracuse, NY. My fellow undergraduate tutors and I worked specifically with 4th-6th grade students, developing lesson plans and implementing project-based learning activities each semester. The program met weekly on Saturday mornings through collaboration with the Syracuse City School District and several student organizations and academic departments from Syracuse University. I continued my work with the tutoring program after graduation as a member of AmeriCorps, working as a liaison between the SBCO and the departments and programs at the university.