English Language Learners

  • English Learners (EL)

    Welcome to the English Learner Program site for the Nantucket Public Schools.  Nantucket embraces its linguistically and culturally diverse English Learner (EL) population. Currently, more than eleven different languages and seventeen different countries are represented in our student body. 

    In partnership with a caring community, Nantucket Public Schools will create a dynamic learning environment which engages each of us to be inspired learners and responsible citizens, prepared to meet global challenges. The goal of the EL program is to provide a culturally and linguistically responsive education with the supports needed to ensure equitable access to opportunities that promote accelerated language acquisition so that English Learners can access and demonstrate academic success in all courses leading to college and career readiness.

    In the Nantucket Public Schools the Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) model is followed in order to ensure English Learners rapidly develop the skills necessary to succeed. SEI consists of two instructional components necessary for the effective instruction of ELs: Sheltered Content Instruction taught by licensed content teachers who are SEI endorsed and English As  a Second Language (ESL) taught by ESL licensed teachers. The mission of the English learner (EL) Program in the Nantucket Public Schools is to provide research-validated, systematic, explicit, and sustained language instruction to English learners, designed  to develop social, instructional, and academic language within the four language domains (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) in conjunction with subject matter content (language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies). 

    Kelly-Ann Cooney
    Director Of English Language Learner Services
    508-228-7285  x1177
    cooneyk@npsk.org

    Nantucket Public Schools employs nine full-time English language teachers. Combined, our staff speaks eight foreign languages and brings a wealth of experience in language instruction.

    Nantucket Elementary School

    Vessy Natcheva
    Nicole Ridge
    Samantha Kodak

    Nantucket Intermediate School

    Janet Colby
    Tina Fournier
    Lauren Gabriel

    Cyrus Peirce Middle School

    Kathryn Norton

    Nantucket High School

    Devin Durand
    Johanna Spring Townsend