Ms. Johnson's
mll website
About Catherine Johnson
The 2023-2024 school year is my 11th year teaching! 2022 is when I began teaching multilingual learners (MLL) at BCS and I absolutely LOVE it! I am a member of the BCS climate committee and equity sub-committee. I am also the GEMS club advisor (Girls Exploring with Mentors in STEM), afterschool BOOST teacher, and a BCS Technology Champion. I taught Grade 3 and STEM in Grades 5 & 6 in Naugatuck prior to coming to BCS. I also taught STEM in Grades 7 & 8 in Ansonia prior to teaching in Naugatuck. My very first classroom was a Pre-K teaching assignment.
I earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Southern Connecticut State University in 2012. I also earned a Master's degree in Education with a focus on curriculum and instruction from Southern Connecticut State University in 2020. In the 2021-2022 school year, I completed a certification program to teach English as a second language in Grades Pre-K - 12. Most recently, in 2023, I earned my second Master's degree, in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. I hold Connecticut provisional teaching certifications in Elementary Grades K-6, English as a second language Grades PreK - 12, and a Connecticut 092 intermediate certification in School Administration and Supervision.
When I am not at school, I am most likely spending time with my fiancé and taking care of my dogs. I love walking my dogs and experiencing different places in Connecticut with them. I also like to cozy up with a good book and to cook. I like learning from my brother who is a chef.
Fun Fact
I met Jan Brett (far left in picture), a famous writer and illustrator of children's books. She signed my copy of The Mitten, a book I have enjoyed since I was a child.
About BCS MLL Instruction
The goal of the BCS MLL Instruction is to help your child become proficient in the English language.
This means receiving support in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Higher order
thinking and problem solving skills are embedded in MLL instruction as well.
Receiving MLL instruction will also support your child in being able to fully participate
in mainstream classes with their peers.
MLL students are assessed annually using the LAS Links English language proficiency
assessment. Students will no longer be eligible for MLL services when they demonstrate an overall
"4" AND a "4" in both reading AND writing domains on the annual LAS Links assessment per the Connecticut State Department of Education.
How to Support your Child at Home with Language Proficiency
Telling stories - this can help your child develop vocabulary and listening skills.
Listening to your child read - this can help your child develop reading fluency.
Rhyming and singing - this can help your child develop oral language skills.
Keeping a journal - this can help your child make connections between what they are
reading and writing.Going to the library, often - this can help your child develop a love for reading.
Resources