Helping students learn English is more than a job—it’s a mission. Kristi Weber, the Title I Interventionist and coordinator of the Expanding English Proficiency program at the Elementary and Junior High, dedicates her time to guiding young students as they adapt to a new language and culture. This program serves a small but diverse group of students in all of Herrin’s schools. Today, we focus on three: fourth graders Brian Mora and Perla Aguilar and third grader Laura Lin, who recently arrived from China. Each child has their unique journey with English, but together they are building skills and confidence.

“We cover conversational English, vocabulary, holidays, and daily life words they’ll need,” Kristi explains. For Laura, who started in third grade just this year, these sessions introduce her to everything from school-related terms to phrases used in the local community. Brian, who has been in the program since kindergarten, is now in fourth grade and is close to the proficiency goal. He loves physical education and has become more comfortable expressing himself in English. Perla has been in the program since kindergarten and has now met the proficiency goal.  “They’ve grown so much since they first started,” Kristi says, her pride in them evident.

Laura, who recently moved to Herrin from China, has faced unique challenges. Although she can read at a fourth-grade level in Chinese, she’s just beginning to understand English. Her journey highlights the complexities of learning a new language while keeping up with academics. “Laura is incredibly bright,” Kristi says, “but language is a barrier she’s working hard to overcome.” Using translation tools, Kristi and her team are able to communicate with Laura’s family, ensuring they are involved in her progress.

Kristi’s support for her students doesn’t stop during the school year. This past summer, she coordinated a week-long summer school program for English learners in second through eighth grades, designed to immerse them in the local community. Each day, the students visited different places around Herrin, practicing English and learning about their new hometown.

The program included visits to the post office, bank, police station, and library, where students used English in real-life interactions. Fun activities like bowling, bocce ball, and swimming provided a break and helped them learn common recreational vocabulary. “Some kids had never experienced things like roller skating or bowling,” Kristi says. “This week was about using English in a relaxed setting and experiencing the community.”

The summer program also included visits to local restaurants, giving students the chance to practice ordering food and interacting in English. “It was a wonderful experience,” says Kristi. “The students learned about their community and grew more confident in using English in everyday situations.”

The success of the Expanding English Proficiency program in the Herrin Schools is the result of teamwork. Classroom teachers, aides, and administrators all play essential roles in creating a supportive environment for language learners. Each English learner is placed in a classroom where the teacher has experience accommodating non-native speakers. “Our teachers have learned to adapt assignments to help these students succeed,” she explains.

Additionally, Herrin has invested in technology that makes communication smoother. From headsets that translate English lessons to remote translation software for meetings with parents, the district has gone above and beyond to bridge communication gaps. “This isn’t a small process,” Kristi acknowledges. “Becoming proficient in English can take up to seven years, but every tool we provide helps shorten that path.”

For Kristi, her students’ progress is a reason to celebrate. Although some students may take years to reach proficiency, every step forward is a victory. “These kids are incredibly bright and want to learn,” Kristi says, emphasizing that language is their only barrier. “We celebrate every success, no matter how small, because it’s a step closer to their goals.”

In Herrin Elementary’s Expanding English Proficiency program, students like Brian, Perla, and Laura are learning much more than English. They’re gaining confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging in their school and community. And with the dedication of many, they’re not just learning a language—they’re building a foundation for future success.