Students who are English Language Learners (ELLs) in grades K-12 are provided with a comprehensive ELL Program that is staffed by highly qualified ELL teachers. These teachers focus on meeting the needs of all students in the program in two areas: becoming proficient in the English language and adjusting to the school and community culture.

Below is a list of EWSD ELL staff:

• EWSD Multilingual Learner Program Coordinator:  Tamara Eklöf-Parks

• Multilingual Teacher at Hiawatha: Terri Geffert

• Nepali-speaking Liaison: Prem Bhatttarai

• Maay-Maay/Somali-Somali Liaison: Noor Bulle

• Translation Services: Tamara Eklöf-Parks

Jackie Tolman, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
(802) 857-2019 or Email Jackie Tolman

Welcome to the Essex Westford Multilingual Program webpage! You may have noticed the updated name of the Multilingual Program. Students in the Multilingual Program are now “Multilingual Learners” (ML)  rather than “English Learners” (EL). The term “Multilingual Learner” recognizes that multilingualism is something to grow and celebrate.

The Essex Westford School District ensures that all multilingual learners have access to a quality education that prepares them for college, career, and beyond. The mission of the Multilingual Program is to provide high-quality public education for multilingual learners by valuing and encouraging multilingualism, building community, and using best practices for multilingual learners in the classroom. 

The multilingual family community in the Essex Westford School District has steadily grown to approximately 225 multilingual students receiving services or being monitored in preschool to 12th grade.