I see the American dream in action on a daily basis as an elementary school teacher in Baltimore County's English for Speakers of Other Languages program.
Our great country gives people the opportunity to prosper and succeed. With hard work and many sacrifices, parents can provide their children with opportunities that they did not have themselves. Parents can give their children the chance for upward social mobility, higher education and a safe and happy life regardless of the situation in which their children were born.
It's common for me to talk with ESOL parents who are working two jobs, attending English classes at night and trying to help their children with homework, all with a smile of gratitude for the opportunities they have.
Every day I encounter ESOL families that have strong family values, close ties to religion, a strong work ethic and a high regard for education.
Baltimore County Superintendent Dallas Dance's budget requested 31 additional ESOL teachers for next year, which would bring the teacher-student ratio from one teacher for every 75 students to one teacher for every 44 students.
However, only six additional positions were approved, and currently some students only receive ESOL services for 30 minutes each week.
We need to do what is best for our children who are working hard to achieve the American dream.
Katie Hess
The writer teaches in the English for Speakers of Other Languages program at Pleasant Plains Elementary School.