The mission of the Academic Support Department is to move students toward grade-level proficiency in all academic areas.
Academic Support & EL Program
Achieve Academic Support and EL (English Language Learners) staff work as a team with other teachers to support the needs of our learners. Licensed support teachers work in our preK-8 classrooms or through pull-out sessions to positively impact EL and Title 1 student success.
We use a variety of instructional strategies and teaching models to support our English learners. Some of the teaching models include whole group, small group, and guided groups. We find that providing this kind of service in school targets students who may need additional support with content and language development. In these groups, we can support the students’ academic and social language using content-based teaching.
We also have a small number of students who are new to St. Paul, Minnesota, and the country. These students work – one-on-one or in a small group – with a licensed EL teacher who teaches them practical English vocabulary as well the foundations for acquiring the English language.
Goals
The three major student goals of our team are the following:
Provide English language services to students identified as EL by standardized means
To increase language proficiency through content-based instruction
Provide academic support services to meet the academic goals of all learners
Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, LEARNING, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.
Pele
Sharon Lenhart, Academic Support|EL, PreK-K
651-738-4875 x415
I’m enjoying my 11th year teaching at Achieve Language Academy. I’m on the Academic Support team and am teaching English Language learners and others in preK and kindergarten. I also enjoy playing the piano for the Middle School Choir and have enjoyed performing concerts with them at many venues, including the Mall of America. At home, I enjoy cooking and doing activities with my daughter who is a college student. I also enjoy biking, reading, playing with our puppy and cat, and attending classical music concerts.
Lisa Roling, Academic Support|EL, 1-2
651-738-4875 x431
I work closely with classroom teachers planning interventions which help get students to the next level of their learning. When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. We are avid hikers and campers, love a good board game, and enjoy watching movies together.
Mary Wagers, Academic Support|EL, 3-4
651-738-4875 x417
I love Achieve and have stayed here for so long because of the wonderful community Achieve has built. The students, families, and staff make Achieve a very special place to come everyday. When I'm not at school, I love being outside – in the summer :) – and spend time on the water kayaking or in my garden.
Andrea Wenker, Academic Support|EL, 5-8
651-738-4875 x418
During my many years at Achieve, I have had a variety of roles including PreK teacher, EL/Academic Support teacher for grades K-2 and 5-8, and Parent Liaison. I have also served as a teacher member on the Achieve School Board. I have great passion for the work that I do with children and their families and being a part of the ALA family brings me joy! When I am not at school I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, and getting away for quiet time at my family’s lake home in northern MN.
