ESOL

Mrs. Michele Beck

Hello! My name is Michele Beck.  I have been a teacher for 22 years. Currently, I am the ESOL teacher (English Students of Other Languages) at Rising Sun Elementary, Conowingo Elementary, and Calvert Elementary. I teach children that are learning English as a second language.  I consider myself a very lucky person to have the opportunity to work with the ESOL population and their families. It is an honor to be able to develop trusting relationships between myself, the students, and their families.  Communicating with each other helps to develop and strengthen the home/school connection in order to provide the best education for each child.

I grew up in Linthicum, Maryland which is located in Anne Arundel County.  I lived with my mom, dad, and sister.  Just like many of you, I grew up playing with my neighborhood friends and riding our bikes.  I also played on soccer and softball teams all the way through college.

I went to Salisbury University to receive my Bachelor’s Degree in Education and then went to Towson University for another two years to receive my Master’s Degree in Reading. I later continued my education to receive certifications in Special Education and in ESOL.

I started off my teaching career working at a private Muslim school in Baltimore County as a part-time kindergarten teacher.  Many of the children spoke English, but some only spoke Arabic.

 I was later offered a full time position as a self-contained special education teacher in Baltimore City.  Not only did I teach these children academics for 3 years, but I was also responsible for teaching them social and personal growth skills. These children had severe academic challenges and some also sustained physical challenges like being confined to a wheelchair.  These children taught me patience, that all children can learn, and reasons why I need to welcome every student into our school and classroom with a smile every day. 

I later moved to Baltimore County where I worked as an Inclusion special education teacher. I mostly worked with students that were identified with learning disabilities and/or attention deficit disorder.  After years of loving this position, my principal encouraged me to apply for the school’s reading specialist.  I was passionate about teaching reading to all children and still am to this day. I taught reading to many children, including ESOL students. Later I moved to Cecil County in 2009 with my husband, two children, two cats and our dog.  I accepted a position as an ESOL teacher. We are very happy living in Rising Sun, going to school and working in our community!