Groep cursisten van de opleiding NT2 in de Branport-regio

Teaching with NT2 expertise in a multilingual classroom

On Friday 20 March, the first cohort of language teachers received their certificates from the short programme Teaching with NT2 expertise in the multilingual classroom. Radboud in’to Languages (In’to) developed this programme for the Inclusive Teaching Academy, in collaboration with the knowledge partners Global College and Kenniscentrum NT2 De Kempen/Pius X. The programme is a response to the growing number of multilingual pupils in secondary education. The festive graduation ceremony took place at Eckart College in Eindhoven. Those present included: Claire Arts, chair of the Brainport Schools Association and principal of Eckart College, Nuenens College, and Van Maerlantlyceum, Inge Brons, ITA programme manager, Laura van Eijk from the Kempenkind Centre for Inclusive Education, Ruby Maes from Pius X College, and Ernie Kuijer and Onno ter Haar from In’to.

Theory and practice come together

The short programme provides language and subject teachers with tools to better support these multilingual pupils. The programme consists of six intensive workshops in which teachers acquire basic knowledge of NT2. In addition, it includes practical visits to schools for the Initial Reception of Foreign-Language Speakers, and the participating teachers receive visits from a practical coach. The programme concludes with a practical assignment, a product for the teachers’ own organisation that contributes to supporting and guiding multilingual learners. 

Making the most of talent

‘The aim of the programme is to equip secondary school teachers with sufficient knowledge of NT2 and multilingualism, so that they can provide more effective instruction and anticipate the difficulties their multilingual pupils may encounter in the curriculum.’ If secondary school teachers can apply this knowledge effectively in their classes, pupils will participate more successfully in education. Ultimately, every child should be able to progress to the highest possible level. This is also in the interests of the Brainport region, where every talent counts,’ says Onno ter Haar, senior officer for Dutch for non-native speakers, who is coordinating this programme on behalf of In’to. 

This is a unique collaboration, as all parties contribute their own knowledge and experience. In’to has extensive experience in training NT2 teachers. The knowledge partners know the local target group of non-native-speaking newcomers, children of status holders, and labour or highly skilled migrants better than anyone else. The programme is characterised by pragmatism, out-of-the-box thinking, flexible adaptation to needs, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Participants who complete the programme will act as ambassadors at their schools. 

New round

A new round will start in May at Scholengemeenschap Were Di in Valkenswaard, followed by another group in September at the OMO Scholengroep Helmond. 

More information: Inclusive Teaching Academy

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Written by
drs. O.A.F. ter Haar (Onno)
O.A.F. ter Haar (Onno)
Onno ter Haar is senior teacher in Dutch for non-Dutch speakers and trainer and mentor in the NT2 teacher training programme at In'to Languages. He coordinates the ‘Teaching with NT2 expertise in a multilingual classroom’ course on behalf of In'to.