Enrollment at Springfield Public Schools is up, and so is the number of students in the district who speak languages other than English.

This year the district has more than 400 English language learners.

That's a jump of 120 students from just last year, so the district says another set of hands would help.

Alma Wilson's been in the classroom for more than 20 years. She's spent almost a decade teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages, or ESOL.

"I like this job because it's interesting. It's exciting. It's different everyday," Wilson said.

With students at varying proficiencies in English, Wilson works with different age levels for about an hour each day.

"You have to spend a little more time with visuals. You have to perhaps speak a little more slowly," Wilson said.

Wilson teaches English to students from across the world, like China, Vietnam, Russia, and Korea.

"I don't speak Spanish, and I don't speak Russian or any of the Asian languages, so the students have to learn English, so that is what we focus on," Wilson said.

Eight year old Zlatina Stykova comes from Bulgaria. She's been in Missouri for about a year, but already is picking up the language thanks to her ESOL class.

"I think kids learn English faster than grown-ups," Zlatina said.

Zlatina says she even is able to help her parents learn English.

"I tell them what's the right word," Zlatina said.

Nine teachers in the district teach ESOL. They average 45 students each.

Wilson says adding another teacher would benefit the students.

"I think the numbers spread around are such that it might help everyone involved if another teacher were hired," Wilson said.

She says teachers would have more time to devote to one-on-one time with the students who are eager to learn.

"There's one thing that motivates them all, and that is to learn English," Wilson said.

On Tuesday night, at the school board's study session, the board unanimously voted to approve the addition of this extra teacher.

Adding another teacher will cost the district about $45,000.

ESOL students are mainly spread out at McGregor Elementary, Hickory Hills, and Central High School.