Currently Mr. Wilson is the Student Success Coach at Waynes High School.
His classroom was an well-oiled machine, English as a New Language and Newcomers' teacher Wilson Elias Reyes was praised for his ability to quickly mainstream his non- English-speaking, Newcomers. Reyes, himself an immigrant from the Dominican Republic who speaks multiple languages, fostered a family-like atmosphere in his classroom and created a state-of-the-art school-wide TV program that promoted diversity and sense of community school wide. To help immerse his students in the English language, Reyes had students create their own PowerPoint presentations and shows. He also helped them articulate their beliefs and taught them the importance of having a voice. In addition, Reyes took students on field trips to learn about American culture and encouraged parents to volunteer in his classroom. Reyes has also contacted legislators on behalf of the local Latino community. He has been an advocate for the Latino community for many years and continues that work in the Indianapolis and surrounding communities. With Reyes at the wheel, test scores improved, discipline referrals dropped and attendance grew. He created the Newcomers Program for recent immigrants at the school and, among those students, scores jumped by almost 70 percent. Three students were picked for an early-college prep program. One of his students even won a statewide award in which she was unanimously nominated by the school staff. Reyes completed the National Board Certification and a figurehead in the local Latino community. Reyes was a former business owner who worked in media, furniture and television has also served in the military. Reyes is able to bring interesting color to his lessons and obtain useful resource material for his students. He presented at the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) Institute specializing in high-quality instruction for English Learners (ELLs), and has published articles in the local media regarding diversity in schools and in business. Wilson has written several children's books in the English as a Second field and other four books on education, one of which is his story of navigating racism and race in the United States.
My philosophy of education is that any child can learn and every one should have an equitable opportunity to learn and succeed. It should not matter if you have money or if you know someone in high places, you should be able to be educated well. Students also deserve someone who is passionate in what they are doing. I had many teachers that came before me that were examples to me. I want to be that role model or example to my students. The English Language Learner is my passion. It seems to me that this section of our population is not wholly served in all parts of the United States. I would like to bring more focus to the ELL population.
