Personal Statement

"With the increasing number and impact of English Language Learners throughout the state, and districts activly engaged in school reform, now more than ever, all teachers need to know how to address their bilingual students."

Professional Biography

Cynthia Cosgrave has been both an elementary and secondary teacher for thirty years. Her career includes work in mainstream, ESL/Bilingual and immersion classrooms. She has held several teaching and specialist positions that focus on ESL/Bilingual and mainstream education including positions as: Immersion Education Coordinator, Title VII Coordinator, ESOL Teacher, Resource Specialist, and ESOL Language Assessment Teacher.

She is a national TRIBES Trainer and has served as an adjunct instructor for colleges in California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Cynthia has extensive expertise in developing and coaching teachers' skills in content area teaching including literacy and sheltered instruction.

At Lewis & Clark, Cynthia is an instructor in the ESOL/Bilingual program. Cynthia’s area of expertise includes first & second language acquisition; program and curriculum design and professional development for teachers. Much of her recent work has been focused on the SIOP professional development series where she is helping to develop teacher leaders and advocates for English language learners at the district level. She teaches ESOL literacy, and content strategies, community and culture, and historical and legal foundations in the ESOL/Bilingual endorsement program.

She is known as a student/teacher advocate for programs that meet the needs of diverse learners.

Publications

Cosgrave, Cynthia. (2004). Inspire Works: The Power of Positive Communication. CD-ROM Early Childhood Training and Professional Development Course. Eaducational Productions.

Cosgrave, Cynthia. (1999). Bilingual Program Planning Trainer’s Guide: Northwest Regional Laboratory.

Cosgrave, Cynthia. (1997). Voices in Literature Series Assessment Packages for Bronze, Silver and Gold Levels.

Cosgrave, Cynthia. (1991). Project WRITE (Writing Resources in Transitional English) Teachers’ Planning Guide.

Academic Credentials

M.A. 1975, B.A. 1971 University of Massachusetts