Cobb County teacher helps English learners feel they belong

National Hispanic Heritage Month lasts until Oct. 15, but that won’t stop this Mableton Elementary School teacher from helping students who speak languages other than English.

Kylie Hardy is Cobb County School District’s Elementary Teacher of the Year, and she teaches English for Speakers of Other Languages.

“The fact that you don’t know a language should not make learning any less accessible to you. You are still entitled to an education,” Hardy said.

Hardy goes from class to class bringing English lessons to the students instead of pulling them out of their classrooms.

She uses hand motions, games and other tools to make English learning engaging as well as helping students feel comfortable when they make mistakes to build their confidence.

“Even if you do it incorrectly, even if you struggle, at least if you’re trying, that’s how you’re going to learn,” Hardy said.

Hardy said she has been proud watching her students find the courage to step out of their comfort zone.

“It’s really given my life purpose to work with these kids; they do belong here, despite the fact that they feel like outsiders very often. They’re a part of our community, and they matter,” Hardy said.

She said she wants to make sure every student feels they belong.