English Language Learner Teacher Alina Gonzalez is now a new mom. While Ms Gonzalez is home taking care of her new baby, ESL teacher Eileen Diaz is filling in for her.

Ms. Diaz will be teaching students ESL, which means English as a second language. She teaches students that are primarily Spanish speakers. She teaches them conversational language, literacy, language acquisition, reading & vocabulary, and writing.

Ms. Diaz is filling in for Ms. Gonzales until the end of December. Although she is supposed to be here for

the entire academic year, she is not sure what her role will be when Ms. Gonzales’ return.

Many students feel that when they have a substitute teacher, it is a lot different from their regular teacher, which may be true from the students’ perspective, but not from Ms. Diaz’s point of view. She said, “I don’t consider it different because I’m so passionate about what I do. I love teaching and I love learning.”

Ms. Diaz began her teaching career in Puerto Rico where she was an assistant teacher. She helped students in English classes. She then came to the United States and did a lot of subbing. She taught for a year in Bristol and another year in New Britain CT.

Ms. Diaz first went to college in Puerto Rico for her bachelor’s degree, and she majored in secretarial administration. This is when she found her love of teaching, so after that, she went to the University of Bridgeport and got her masters in elementary education.

Coming in and teaching in a new environment can always be tricky, but Ms. Diaz is very happy in her new role. “It’s been great here, all the staff have been very helpful.”

Welcome to Morgan, Ms. Diaz!