ESL Professionals Spell It Out

Stand by for an avalanche of mail from ESL teaching professionals. Jack Spiegelman’s article (“ ‘Loser?’ The Word Doesn’t Really Translate,” Aug. 20) was a specious and superficial look at adult education and continuing education programs that teach English to California’s immigrant population. We don’t “throw something” at our students and hope for the best. Our students aren’t in class to “get out of the house for a few hours.” We work hard and our students work hard. Teaching ESL to adults is a great topic and deserves a better portrayal.

Judy Savola

Camarillo

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The word “loser” can only describe an unprofessional and cavalier attitude, as well as the gross trivialization of an honorable and real profession.

Marna Shulberg

Sherman Oaks

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Spiegelman ought to go back to construction and leave the teaching to the real professionals. It’s amazing where you can find a few laughs, but this story made me cry.

Shirley McDonald

Aliso Viejo

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Spiegelman’s dismissal of ESL teachers as “losers” is inaccurate and insulting. His intimation that ESL students come to class to be entertained, not really to learn, is an unsympathetic misconception.

Carol Burrill

Monrovia

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Without having been trained as an ESL professor, Spiegelman wouldn’t recognize a real “ESL moment” if it hit him over the head like a piedra.

Kathy Keesler

La Mirada

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I thoroughly enjoyed Spiegelman’s heartfelt article on the frustrations and joys of teaching ESL. What comes across so beautifully in his story is the sense of humor, warmth, improvisational skills and flexibility that also characterize any educator whose “teaching makes [a student] melt.” I hope that Spiegelman stays in the classroom and is rewarded with many more smiles, birthday parties and good health benefits.

Julie Uslan

Los Angeles