For the past 10 years, Mrs.Salgado has gone above and beyond while teaching the Naugatuck High School ESL program with high hopes to help ease the transition to a new country for her students.

ESL, or English as a Second Language, is a program that strives to help students from other countries comprehend and understand English as well as apply it to their daily routines. Students have one class period a day with Mrs.Salgado and are welcomed back throughout the day if they need help understanding their classwork. Mustafa Boweden, who has been in America for about a year and a half, says he returns to Mrs. Salgado’s room 2-3 times a day.

The transition into American culture can be tough, but the ESL program helps students confidently read, write, and speak English. Rikit Patel moved here from India 8 months ago, and says the courses are similar here, but the courses themselves are what makes them different. In India, students stay in one room throughout the day and the teachers switch, while in America, the students are the ones moving to different classrooms throughout the day.

The ESL program consists of multiple levels, and students are tested each year on their growth so they can be put into the class level they need. When they pass the final level, they no longer need to be in the class, but are always welcome by Mrs. Salgado if they have a study hall or need help with work in their core classes.Students return many times during the day for various reasons, using her room not only like a classroom but a second home.

The classes themselves are very small,“I would say a max of 15 students are in her class at once.” Says Emine Yilmaz, a senior who has already passed every level of the program. However, she continues to return to Mrs. Salgado’s room if she needs directions on work explained or even  just wants to visit.

When asked about Mrs. Salgado, Boweden immediately responded,“She’s perfect” with a big smile on his face.“She’s a really good teacher and is always willing to help us understand work whether it’s for her class or others we take.” Says Fares Atbega, who has been in the U.S for about 8 years.

The ESL program has become more than just another class at Naugy High. These small, close-knit classes become a family in room N138.