Joanne Zintel

How Wachou Became King Joanne Zintel

For 24 years I worked with families from many different countries, cultures and language backgrounds. For 8 years I was a Bilingual Aide for the ESL/Bilingual Programs in the Madison, WI Public Schools. I then received my degree in ESL and for the next 16 years I was an ESL teacher in elementary school in Madison, working with students from the 4 yr. old program through 5th grade. Many students were from refugee families fleeing the Vietnam, Cambodian and Afghan conflicts. During that time I was blessed by competent bilingual resource specialists who taught me about the cultural differences and similarities I would be dealing with. My students taught me so much about their cultures and often I felt that I was the student and they were my teachers.
One of my Bilingual Resource Specialists, in particular, became my main tutor and confident during my work with these families. He joined me on home visits so I could understand what they wanted me to know about their children. He taught many lessons in my classroom and helped the children feel comfortable in learning their new language and culture. This story is about him. You might say it is a true story of his life with a touch of the spirit world, which he truly believed in. He is a real King in the sense that he helped so many people adjust to their new environment, and helped me to grow and understand where these families were coming from. He is my Hero! This book was a gift to him to let him know how much I appreciated all he has done for me and continues to do for others.