Lindsey Dickerson- 5th grade teacher Gaston County Schools
Lindsey Dickerson is in her eighth year of teaching. Lindsey teaches at an elementary school in Gaston county, right outside of Charlotte. Dickerson described emersion at the elementary level as being “crucial in helping students develop second- language proficiency”(Dickerson). Lindsey went on to explain that “Students at the elementary level need to be surrounded by peers and classmates that speak the language they need to learn. Having these ESL students immersed in a regular class may make ESL students feel overwhelmed or nervous. However, students are able to learn English while learning the content of material being taught. Students face the language and content head on allowing them to not fall behind" (Dickerson). Dickerson has taught over twenty-five ESL students while teaching for Gaston County Schools and believes total immersion at the Elementary school level is the most beneficial for the student.