StM welcomes new English as a second language teacher

This school year, St. Martin’s Episcopal School welcomed English as a Second Teacher Allan Boteler into the English department. ESL serves as an English course for international students at St. Martin’s and is therefore an integral part of the school’s curriculum.

Boteler’s background includes various teaching experiences ranging from those in Mississippi to those in Colombia. As a volunteer teacher in Jackson, Mississippi, Boteler taught ninth, 10th, and 11th graders. Boteler also worked in an international school in Colombia for two years, where he taught 10th and 11th graders.

Not only does Boteler have a strong background in education, according to ESL Department Chair and Upper School French Teacher Cissy Rowley, but he also holds values that line up with St. Martin’s ideals.

“He is friendly, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and has good references,” Rowley said.

Rowley believes Boteler’s presence in the St. Martin’s community will benefit the school. Boteler graduated from an Episcopal school in Jackson, Mississippi and is familiar with the commitment to faith, scholarship, and service, an essential aspect of the St. Martin’s community.

“In a way, I felt like (coming to St. Martin’s) would be a chance for me to give back to the community,” Boteler said.

Since arriving on our campus, Boteler’s experience has been inclusive and positive.

“I was welcomed into the community in so many ways, including everything from coffee and doughnuts in the beginning of the year, to casual conversations with teachers and students,” Boteler said.

Boteler’s approach to his new job has been a success, according to Senior Gabriel Diaz, an international student from Honduras.

“I think he is a very nice guy,” Diaz said. “He makes you very comfortable. He has created a really nice environment where there are a lot of different cultures. It makes it feel like home, even though there are different people from different cultures.”

According to Diaz, his personality is not his only positive trait. Diaz praises his teaching methods and classroom practices.

“I think he has a great teaching style because he is not the type of teacher that will be tough on you (…and say,) ‘Do this; do that,’” Diaz said. “He is very open-minded and is always basing (everything in) discipline and respect.”