How to Design and Implement a Newcomer Program (Pearson Resources for Teaching English Learners)

In this unique, first-of-its-kind look at an increasingly popular educational model–the newcomer program–author Brenda Custodio brings over 25 years of ESL experience and nine years of newcomer program development to this practical resource. In it she shows what’s needed to design and implement the program, prepare the site, develop the curriculum, interview and hire staff, and continually build a constantly evolving, successful newcomer program based on learners’ needs.

Brenda K. Custodio has been working in the ESL field for 25 years, as a classroom teacher, a curriculum developer, and a building administrator.  She received her Ph. D. in TESOL/Children’s Literature in 2001 from Ohio State University and since then has also been teaching courses for The Ohio State University with teachers who are working on their TESOL license.

Currently, Brenda is the assistant principal for a newcomer program in Columbus, OH.  The program has 500 students in grades six through 12 from 46 countries, about half of who are refugees with limited formal schooling.

Dr. Custodio is very active in both Ohio TESOL and International TESOL and serves on the professional development committee for International TESOL. She has served as past president of Ohio TESOL and the secondary interest section chair for International TESOL and has been a frequent PD presenter at both the state and national level.