MayDell Jenks - Tex TESOLer of 2008-2009

Here's what her nominees had to say about MayDell Jenks:

MayDell Jenks possesses the dynamic qualities of an inspirational leader and is a visionary in the planning of unique opportunities for English Language Learners.  She will soon complete her 40th years in education and is committed to exellence, devoted to growing professionally, and enthusiastic about enhancing her skills.   Her leadership style is always student centered.  One of her most impressive qualities is that she will never ask anyone to do something that she herself is not willing to do.  She is always ready to roll up her sleeves and jump right in.

MayDell Dinks lives and breathes her job as the Director of Other Languages for Katy ISD.  Her mind is constantly working to find just the right program, materials, staff development, staff, or grant opportunities to maximize the educational potential of each English Language Learner in Katy ISD.  Under her watch, the English Language Learner population has grown from less than 700 students to over 7,000 students, from a few ESL teachers with little or no resources beyond a basic textbook and a Sears catalogue to a cutting edge program which is well respected around the State of Texas.

Vision sympolizes Jenks because she was able to foresee a change in Katy ISD's demographics and actively pursued grant support to fund programs to address the rapidly changing needs of the English Language Learners.  These programs include Newcomer Centers for recent immigrant students, a "push in" model for elementary ESOL students and a district testing center.

Innovative bilingual programs were not over looked by Jenks.  Bilingual/one-Way Dual Language programs were implemented on 10 campuses, as well as Two-Way Language Programs on two campuses with a waiting list for entry in both.  Dual Language Programs are replacing traditional bilingual programs around the country and Jenks has been a forerunner.

Jenks is committed to exploring all sources to promote the study of languages.  To enrich Katy ISD's foreign language department, she wrote a grant to offer both Japanese and Russian courses.  These courses were more than the study of language;  they included the study of history, culture and literature.  Currently, as a result of Jenks' efforts, Katy ISD offers French, Spanish, Latin, German, Japanese, Chinese, and American Sign Languages.

Not only did Jenks implement and design the bilingual and ESOL programs in Katy ISD back in 1984, but during her career, she has implemented an After-school Spanish program, ESOL parent Centers that have waiting lists, implemented several languages into the LOTE district program and offered ESOL ExCET teacher certification programs in the Katy ISD.  Additionally, she implemented secondary newcomer centers as well as innovative Chinese Immersion and district dual language programs.  Jenks involvement with TESOL and TexTESOL over the years has been through presentations as well as encouraging staff members to become board members.  Jenks is an icon in the Texas and local areas in the field of ESOL and other languages.