Dallas ISD is home to bilingual and bicultural student leaders.
To motivate their students to excel academically, bilingual teachers Jaime Garza and Rene Crespo encouraged their 7th– and 8th-grade Dual Language students at E.D. Walker Middle School to participate in an essay contest by writing on “The Importance of Being Bilingual Students.”
The contest, sponsored by the National Association for Bilingual Education, offers students, teachers, educational leaders and advocates the opportunity to be recognized for their efforts in promoting the importance of languages, literacy and equity.
At E.D. Walker, the dedication of the teachers and students is reflected in their essays.
“The world we live in today is very diverse,” wrote Cooper Whitson. “Being bilingual can not only help you get more and better job opportunities, it can also help you communicate with more people, help your community and make more friends.”
Cooper Heller wrote: “Bilingual people have many benefits, one of which is getting a better-paying job; according to some statistics, large companies pay their bilingual employees up to 20% more than a person who speaks only one language. It also gives you the opportunity to communicate and make friends with people from other countries. When you are bilingual, more opportunities open up.”
With more than 50% of people globally speaking two or more languages, E.D. Walker teachers and students understand the importance of bilingualism and the potential benefits of a dual language approach to education. E.D. Walker is equipped to provide students with the tools needed to be successful both academically and socially.
“Being Mexican, learning another language is not only a responsibility, it is also a benefit. I can talk to my grandparents and loved ones, and explore my culture and heritage,” said Alejandra Moreno. “The future of this country depends on the diversity of the people who live here.”
And Wesley Stoker said: “What I like most about being bilingual is that I can spread the knowledge of other cultures. By being bilingual, I can travel and communicate with others in Spanish and English. [Psycholinguist] Frank Smith once said: ‘One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.’”
Dallas ISD is home to one of the largest dual language programs in the nation. We are proud to create bilingual, bicultural and biliterate leaders. Discover our dual language programs and become a leader who speaks, reads and writes in two languages.
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