UofM researchers win grant to bring more ESL teachers to MSCS schools

What’s happening: A pair of researchers from the University of Memphis have come up with a solution that addresses the shortage of ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers within the Memphis Shelby County Schools footprint.

What’s in store: A new initiative will recruit multi- and bilingual UofM students to enroll in the university’s TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program. Students would become certified as licensed ESL teachers, leading to jobs for the educators — and more educators to serve those MSCS students in need. 

How it’s happening: Rebecca Adams and Emily Thrush, University of Memphis researchers of applied linguistics, successfully applied for a $2.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Professional Development program. A total of $503,000 will support the program in the 2024-25 school year.

Why it’s important: “We are excited for the impact this grant will have on our local schools, which have long had a critical shortage of certified ESL teachers,” says Adams. “By focusing on providing teacher education for multilingual individuals, this grant will help connect English learners with teachers who understand their experiences and serve as role models for them. After all, the goal of ESL is not only to create English speakers, but rather to develop multilingual abilities.”

How it works: The program will increase Shelby County’s pool of certified ESL instructors by recruiting both UofM and area high school students into the TESOL program. High school students who have earned the Tennessee State Seal of Biliteracy will be eligible for a full bachelor’s degree scholarship at UofM.

What they’re saying: “The emphasis of this grant is on increasing bilingualism, as research shows that being bilingual improves cognitive processing, makes the brain more resilient to damage and the effects of aging, and contributes to increasing the GDP of the country,“ says Thrush.