The Mandarin immersion program at Bergeson Elementary School, in Laguna Niguel, is off to a great start. During a recent visit, I was greeted by youngsters that were not only happy to be in a classroom, but eager to learn in a language that is not heard in their homes. They were actively engaged in the lessons that were presented in Mandarin and could complete the multiple, often cognitively demanding tasks that were given to them.
Currently, the program includes one pre-kindergarten, two kindergarten and one first grade class. All of the bilingual teachers are certified in Mandarin and have other special talents too. One of the kindergarten teachers majored in music. Her paraprofessional also studied music. Singing songs accompanied by the piano are heard on a daily basis in her room (see video insert: Bilingual Kindergarten Classroom). There are also paraprofessionals in the other classrooms. This was made possible by the non-profit parent organization, Friends of MIP (Mandarin Immersion Program), created to support the program. They have raised $95,000 this year and are on pace to raise another $55,000, to bring the total up to $150,000.
The school will be hiring next year and they have already started the recruitment process. For employment opportunities, please see: Edjoin post
For more information about enrolling your child at this school, please see: http://www.friendsofmip.com/enrollment.html.
The program shows great promise and will definitely grow in popularity as each year passes. There was a long waitlist before the program opened, and I am sure this magnet school will continue to attract strong bilingual teachers in the years to come.