News » Family Literacy Director, Michael Hunter, is NYTimes 2009 ESOL Teacher of the Year Honoree

University Settlement's own Family Literacy Program Director, Michael Hunter, received a special acknowledgment for his leadership in the ESOL/adult literacy field at The New York Times 2009 ESOL Teacher of the Year Awards!  Michael shared the spotlight with several other leaders in the field, including the 2009 winner, Tamara Kirson, lead instructor and staff developer at The City College of New York, Adult Literacy Program, Adult and Continuing Education. 

See below for pictures from the event, as well as the press release issued by the Times:



Michael Hunter with fellow honorees, from left: Ludmila Ellis, Tamara Kirson,
Rosemarie E. Parreno and Nestor Villamil Tebio

Michael receiving his award.

Michael at the ceremony with his family, a Family Literacy program
coordinator and two students.

Two of University Settlement's Family Literacy students (right and left)
with NYU Gallatin School Professor June Foley (center) who also teaches
in our writing program.

The New York Times Announces Winner of Third Annual ESOL Teacher of the Year Award

NEW YORK--The New York Times announced today that Tamara Kirson has been named the winner of the 2009 ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Teacher of the Year program. Ms. Kirson is lead instructor and staff developer at The City College of New York, Adult Literacy Program, Adult and Continuing Education. In naming Ms. Kirson, the committee noted her creativity in integrating civic activities when teaching English, the extraordinary success of her students and her collaborative efforts to improve the Literacy Center. Now in its third year, the ESOL award program recognizes instructors who have consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty to help students learn English and develop the skills to create successful new lives in the United States.

In addition three other honorees were named:

• Ludmila Ellis, ESL instructor, Westchester Community College, the English Language Institute;
• Rosemarie E. Parreno, ESL continuing education teacher, Hostos Community College; and
• Nestor Villamil Tebio, ESOL instructor and program manager, Catholic Charities Queens and Brooklyn, and Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee.

All ESOL teachers who provide instruction to adult students in New York City, Nassau and Westchester counties were eligible for consideration; the nomination period ended on Feb. 9, 2009. Nominators included students, teaching colleagues and administrators.

The Times also gave a special acknowledgement to Michael Hunter, director of the Family Literacy Program, University Settlement Society of New York, for his leadership in the ESOL/adult literacy field.

"The New York Times is delighted to recognize Tamara Kirson for her outstanding work in the ESOL adult education field," said Diane McNulty, executive director, community affairs and media relations, The New York Times. "She and our other honorees shine a spotlight on all ESOL instructors and the important work they do helping students succeed and making our communities better."

Ms. Kirson and the honorees will be recognized at a special ceremony at The New York Times Building on Wednesday, March 18, at which Ms. Kirson will receive $2,500 and a commemorative plaque. Ms. Ellis, Ms. Parreno, Mr. Tebio and Mr. Hunter will receive certificates and gifts from The Times.

The winner and honorees were chosen by a selection committee of distinguished ESOL advocates:

• Susan Dalmas, Queens Library
• Susan Gitman, The New York Public Library
• David Hellman, City University of New York
• Paul Kim, the Mayor's Office of Adult Education
• Martin G. Murphy, Long Island Regional Adult Education Network
• Robert Nechols, Westchester Community College
• Susan O'Connor, Brooklyn Public Library
• Elke Savoy, NYS TESOL

To learn more about the winner and honorees, please visit www.nytimes-community.com. The Web site also hosts additional information about The New York Times Community Affairs department programs.

About The New York Times Company

The New York Times Company, a leading media company with 2008 revenues of $2.9 billion, includes The New York Times, the International Herald Tribune, The Boston Globe, 16 other daily newspapers, WQXR-FM and more than 50 Web sites, including NYTimes.com, Boston.com and About.com. The Company's core purpose is to enhance society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news, information and entertainment.