Bilingual in America

Palma Multilingual Educational Solutions, LLC led by Mario Palma, and his team, Jessica Canul Diaz and Jordan Montalvo, are committed to enhancing multilingual learning nationwide. With over 25 years of expertise, Mario and his team specialize in equipping educators with the knowledge and tools to integrate the science of reading and language acquisition research. Through innovative strategies, equitable assessments, leadership development, and home-based literacy support, educational partnerships with his team foster academic success for Multilingual Learners.

Dr. Audrey Cohan is the Senior Dean for Research, Scholarship, and Graduate Studies at Molloy University, Rockville Centre, New York where she has worked for twenty-nine years, Dr. Cohan began her career as a special education teacher in New York City, working with students with special needs and then went on to pursue certification in TESOL. Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld is TESOL professor at Molloy University, Rockville Centre, New York. Before entering the field of teacher education, she was an English as a Foreign Language teacher in Hungary, an English as a Second Language teacher in New York City, and taught Hungarian at New York University. A Fulbright Scholar and sought-after national presenter, Andrea is a regular guest on our podcast. Today, this powerhouse partnership, who have worked together for two decades, talks about their new book, Collaboration for Multilingual Learners with Exceptionalities: We Share the Students. They discuss why it is important to combine expertise and identify a shared purpose. Don't miss this GEM!

How many Latinos are in the field of aviation? Listen in to hear from Jonathan Tejada who was born and raised in the US by his Colombian parents and became interested in aviation as a young boy when they would travel to Queens, NY to watch planes landing and taking off at LaGuardia Airport. He shares his journey in aviation and how it led him to birth Cafe Avion. Alex Retamozo migrated to the US from Paraguay when he was 6 years old. His love of math and science landed him work as a commercial and military pilot. Listen in to hear how they are opening pathways for others, like them, to take flight!

123 Andrés is a husband-and-wife duo that creates children's music in both English and Spanish. They have performed for audiences across the US as well as in Puerto Rico, Panama, and Mexico. They are performers, songwriters, advocates, authors, podcasters, and teacher trainers. This year, 2024, they won their second Grammy Award for Best Children's Music Album for their album We Grow Together, Crecimos Juntos Children's Songs.

Just like the mariposas monarcas, María Chinchilla left everything that was familiar to migrate from Guatemala to New York at the age of seventeen. In her first published children's book, Maria Becomes A Butterfly, María beautifully tells the story of how she weathered tormentas, discovered her superpowers, and finally found a sense of belonging. This story will resonate with not only young readers who have their own immigration experience, but also with anyone who has ever struggled to make a new place feel like home.

Angela Alvarez-Cooper and Dr. Laura Florez Gomez, clinicians, advocates, leaders, and everyday experts, talk with us about language acquisition myths that impact students with language delays and language challenges. Listen in and bust these myths, as they have never served our multilingual learners well.

Marla Felton and Sue Spiegel join Bilingual in America to talk about the not-for-profit, Common Circles, founded by Marla Felton. Their interactive exhibit aims to increase empathy, decrease bias and help people find their shared humanity. After conducting extensive research, they have created a multi-faceted experience for students that allows them to learn about the lives of others and, as a result, think about their own lives and personal stories. Listen in to hear about the many layers to each of us and how through connection we thrive.

Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld speaks with us about her soon-to-be released secondary professional resource, Growing Language & Literacy for Grades 6-12. This is a follow-up to her 2019 Heinemann publication by the same title for grades K-8. We discuss her use of TESOL levels, the four areas that she weaves into each chapter, and the added value of lived experiences and linguistic assets of multilingual learners. With Andrea, learning is never finished!

Today we have the distinct honor of speaking with Dr. Alma Flor Ada and Dr. Isabel Campoy, educators, leaders, authors, advocates for multilingual education, and social justice trendsetters. Their children's books and poetry illuminate the richness of the Latino culture and their strong belief in the power of transformation and social justice. Their legacy work continues as they travel the world presenting at educational conferences and continue to write books for educators and children that bring light and transformation.

Judith Aucar, Deputy Director of El Centro Hispano in Westchester, New York, joins us to talk about their 50th anniversary and how they will celebrate this important milestone. El Centro offers services to support all immigrants, regardless of language background, as they begin life in search of a better future. As Judith reflects on the growth of El Centro since its inception, she also shares some of the many classes and services they provide at present. Listen in to hear how this community gem keeps shining brighter and brighter!

David Rogers supports the work of Dual Language Education of New Mexico-DLeNM, whose mission is to promote the effective design and implementation of dual language education (www.dlenm.org) in New Mexico and beyond. As they continue to serve students, families, and educators, they have added the MITOTE podcast to their repertoire! Welcome to the airways, MITOTE!

Valentina Gonzalez is an educational consultant for Rooted Linguistics and a content creator working with educators across the nation to support multilingual learners and their families. Her personal experiences as an immigrant fuels her passion for the work she does. She works with schools and districts to provide professional learning experiences that are tailored to meet the needs of educators. Valentina specializes in creating presentations that are practical, engaging, and interactive. She is a longtime educator of multilingual students from around the globe and has worked as an ESL Instructional Support Specialty Teacher, serving and co-teaching in first-to-fifth-grade classrooms. As a district leader, she has served as an ESL facilitator for campuses and as a professional development specialist. Currently, Valentina shares her time delivering professional development, writing, and research. She is the co-author of Reading & Writing with English Learners: A Framework for K-5, and the children's picture book Krofne with Baba.

What does it take to truly make an impact in this world? Author Dr. Vilma Luz Cabán, well known as an educator and dedicated champion for women impacted by domestic violence and social and economic inequalities, has blazed a trail of success and passion. In her wide-ranging and often heart-wrenching memoir, Cabán weaves her personal experiences and lessons from her survival with her deepest wish to change the course of cycles of abuse for women everywhere. She succeeds in shining a light on a reality often kept in the shadows, and offers hope for a way out and a better tomorrow. Vilma shares how a bruised and broken heart can become the heart of an advocate. And that advocates can make all of the difference.

Julia Chapa has served emergent bilinguals as a Bilingual and ESL teacher in Texas for over 20 years. She has experience providing scaffolded instruction for second language learners, resulting in outstanding student achievement. In 2018, she began her company EDU Specialist, which supports parents and teachers working in bilingual and DL settings. Listen in to hear the ways EDU Specialist supports English learners and the developmental process of second language acquisition.

Michael Rodriguez, Executive Director of Dual Language Education of New Mexico, reflects on this year's Dual Language conference, La Cosecha, that took place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this past November, hosting more than 3500 attendees. And YES! We even have a save the date for next year's conference... Let's listen in...

Jesus Cervantes is the National Director of Biliteracy and English Language Development (ELD) for Benchmark Education and a longtime advocate of bilingual education and Dual Language instruction. He has focused his career on providing English learners access to language and literacy. His areas of expertise are in literacy, biliteracy, and language development. He is a published author of children's books as part of Reading programs and the teaching of Foundational Skills. Today, he talks about his bilingual journey, flexibility, and creativity within a Dual Language structure. He shares his thoughts on the state of Bilingual Education on the 50th anniversary of the Bilingual Education Act.

A language learner in her own right, Alexandra Güílamo has spent more than twenty years serving a wide range of language learner programs. Alexandra is a former teacher, academic coach, elementary school principal, and district-level director in highly diverse urban and suburban school districts. She is a leading dual-language expert, author, keynote speaker, and the Chief Equity and Achievement Officer at TaJu Educational Solutions – a company dedicated to professional development, coaching, and technical support for the educators, leaders, and communities of dual-language and bilingual programs. Alexandra will be at La Cosecha Dual Language Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico from Nov 8-11th.

Claribel Gonzalez speaks with us about how sketch notes serve as an access point for abstract ideas and the various ways that images and visual literacy can support anyone but especially our Multilingual Learners (MLLs). Claribel has been a bilingual teacher, a bilingual coach, and a staff developer. When she is not designing sketch notes for researchers, authors, and teachers, she is hard at work at the RBERN in West Seneca, NY. Listen in to hear about how what appears to be a simple process is actually very complex!

Dr. Lillian Ardell, founder of Language Matters, is a biliteracy advocate, coach & staff developer. At her core, she is an applied linguist with a passion for teaching and learning. She speaks with us about the work she does to disturb monolingual bias, help educators flex into the bilingual advantage, and the need to experience small brave moments.

Today. my co-host, Yarina Sencion, and I have the great fortune of speaking with Dr .Aradhana Mudambi, an accomplished, multilingual educator and social justice activist. We had the opportunity to make her acquaintance last year at La Cosecha, the annual dual language education conference, and we are just amazed at all the different things that we have in common and the initiatives that she is taking on. We know that you will just want to sit back and listen because there are a lot of gems that she is about to share. Join us...

While we are resting and recharging over the summer we are also working behind the scenes to get ready for Season 4. Listen in to meet Gaby Maldonado and hear who she is and what gifts she is bringing to BiLingual in America.

While Mariachi bands date back to 18th-century Mexico, it wasn't until the 20th century that the music transformed regional folk music into more of an urban phenomenon. During Season 2 of Bilingual in America, we first introduced the White Plains, NY High School Mariachi band as part of our episode titled "Music as a Global Language". Today's episode goes a bit deeper as we hear from student musicians and Teacher Director extraordinaire, Zachary May. White Plains High School is proud to have been the first Mariachi high school band in New York State. Its members are now celebrating their 9th year as performers. The bands' student musicians hail from Mexico, Colombia, and the United States. Let's listen in to hear about the White Plains High School Mariachi Band family, where student musicians Emiliano, Pamela, Angel, and their bandmates reveal their passion for music, the importance of having fun while performing, and so much more.

Bilingual children's book author Maria Twena is a second-generation Latina, who felt very much like an outsider while growing up in New Orleans, Louisiana where she was balancing two languages and two cultures. Maria is the creator of the book series, MariVi: The Master Navigator, which will now also be featured as an animated series for TV. Through her longitudinal book series, Maria gives bilingual/bicultural children, like herself, a place where they can authentically see themselves, exercising the role that they often play in their families. Listen in to hear her thoughts on the collectivist ethos, culture clash, and being a Sherpa for her parents.

Flor Bromley is a bilingual songstress originally from Peru. She is signed with 8 Pound Gorilla Records and has released three family albums. Her work has been praised by The Recording Academy, Red Tricycle, Broadway Workd, Parents Latina, Rockmommy, and The Toybook, among others. Her songs have been featured and played on the top 13 of Kids Place Live Sirius XM. In 2022 her album, Fiesta Global, was named an official selection of Notable Works for Children by the American Library Association. She is a NAPPA 2022 Award winner and a USA songwriting competition finalist. For more info please visit florbromleymusic.com.

Areli Morales Romero was born in Puebla, Mexico, but was raised in New York City. She is a DACA recipient, and Areli Is a Dreamer is her debut children's book. A graduate of CUNY-Brooklyn College with a Bachelor's degree in childhood bilingual education, she currently works as a preschool teacher. Join us as Areli shares her story of living the life of a Dreamer.

Karlyn Tabb currently works at the German International School in White Plains, NY. Students attending the school learn language in a variety of ways. Some come from homes where German is not spoken or even part of their family tree. Karlyn, although not a native speaker, has family ties to Germany and that is what sparked her interest to learn the language during her childhood. She is a language lover and has been interested in the beauty of language and culture since her youth. Karlyn has traveled and lived abroad, which in turn helped her grow her linguistic skill set. She is the proud mom of two children who have embraced German and Spanish thanks to the cocoon of language she, with the support of her husband, has created in her home.

Mayor Thomas Roach was born in White Plains, NY, and currently resides there with his family. He received his bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Albany and his law degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He was the first person in his family to earn a four-year degree and is a product of the public education system from kindergarten through his law degree. Mayor Roach began his legal career with the Legal Aid Society in the Bronx and then later entered private practice in Westchester County, specializing in trial work. In 2001, he was elected to the White Plains Common Council. In 2013, he won his first full term as Mayor of White Plains. Today we discuss how living in a multicultural community is a great gift and how diversity is a resource!

Dr. Rocio del Castillo and Dr. Julia Cloat are changing the multilingual dual language landscape. Together, they have co-authored their first book, Teaching Reading in Spanish: A Linguistically Authentic Framework for Emerging Multilinguals. In addition, they have co-founded Via Educational Consulting, whose mission is to provide practical and equitable solutions to schools and districts on the path toward culturally and linguistically responsive education. As educational leaders, they are inspirational and 'just on time' in addressing the needs of our dual language teachers.

We are closing March, Women's Herstory Month, with a bang! Jacarina Soto is a first-generation Afro-Dominican American who went from getting her college degree and working in corporate America to living a purposeful life running her own spiritually directed business. Jacarina is a trauma-informed holistic coach and Master Energy Healing Guide. She is dedicated to helping others show up as better versions of themselves. Yarina and I experienced the healing touch of Jacarina at a wellness retreat and knew we had to invite her to BiLingual in America to share her voice and her gifts. Listen...Breathe...Enjoy.

Susan Bretti, Thought Leader and Director of the Changing Suburbs Institute, shares all the details of the upcoming, once again in-person, 17th Annual Educational Forum. The forum is hosted by Manhattanville College in New York and will focus on Culturally Responsive Teaching. The conference guest keynote speakers will be Dr. Yolanda Sealy-Ruiz, Associate Professor at Teacher's College, Columbia University, and Elisa Alvarez, Associate Commissioner for the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages. The annual Educational Forum will take place on March 24, 2023, at Manhattanville College. Registration is now open for the various workshops and presentations on the conference theme, Culturally Responsive Sustaining Pedagogy. Listen in!

Jacqueline Cabrera, a seasoned special education teacher, wife, mother, and bilingual extraordinaire, shares her pearls of wisdom on bilingual language acquisition as it pertains to the uniqueness of all students.

Today's episode highlights the transformational work of Dra. Veronica Benavides, the founder, and CEO of The Language Preservation Project. She and her team work to reverse the trend of language loss across generations. The Language Preservation Project team works with families and educators to leverage the strength found within culture and language to develop proud and confident multilingual learners. Dra. Benavides discusses her family's personal experience with internalized messages about assimilation, and how one chance encounter in college helped her see new possibilities for herself and others. Listen in!

Dr. Devin E. Naar, a Judeo-Spanish language scholar, is the author of Jewish Salonica, and is an Isaac Alhadeff Professor in Sephardic Studies, Associate Professor of History, and faculty at the Stroum Center for Jewish Studies in the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington. He speaks with us about the fascinating history of the Ladino language: Judeo Spanish and how it serves as a bridge between many cultures. Let's listen in to this captivating interview with co-host Suzanne Lasser.

Today's episode focuses on recently retired Patricia Galluzzo and Virginia Calderon. These two women have worked for over a quarter of a century providing translation support and assistance as needed in both Spanish and English. Patricia came to New York at the age of 9 from her native Argentina, while Virginia arrived at the age of 20 in California from her native Peru. Along the way, they learned English but not at the expense of their Spanish. As they begin the next chapter in their stories, they leave behind a strong legacy of translations and have modeled for others the importance of activating communities and resources to help those in front of us. Their dedication to this work went well beyond what was written in their job description! Listen in!

Andres Salguero was raised in Bogata, Columbia, and grew up with his father. He earned his Doctorate in music. Christina Sanabria, from Colombia, grew up in a Spanish-speaking household in America. She was always involved in theater and dance, and later earned a master's degree in education from U Penn. Together they are… Latin Grammy winners 1,2,3 Andres, and make beautiful bilingual music for children and families. Enjoy their music and story with us!

Dual language stakeholders…get ready! Today we are visiting with educators, authors, and consultants Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld, TESOL professor at Molloy University, in New York, and Dr. Joan Lachance, Associate Professor of Teaching English as a Second Language at the University of North Carolina. Together this team is unstoppable as they venture into their latest book, Collaboration and Co-Teaching for Dual Language Learners: Transforming Programs for Multilingualism and Equity Multilingualism, Asset lenses, collaboration, partner teaching, equity, special education, ENL teachers, administration, and assessment are just some of the topics woven into a hands-on complete guide. Listen in to an engaging talk.

Educator, Leader, and Change Agent Lorynn Guerrero is New Mexico's Teacher of the Year. She speaks with us about being beautifully bilingual at any stage of one's language learning journey, how she's left an impact at New America School La Cruces High School with the GRADS program, and how this is just the beginning of her legacy work. The GRADS program began as an in-school program for teenage parents and has since added onsite child care centers, career readiness, youth leadership, and fatherhood programs. Listen in!

This week on BiLingual in America, we continue the conversation with Dr. Virginia Collier and Dr. Wayne Thomas. They met in 1980, and for the past 40 years have devoted their professional attention to Dual Language programs and their benefits for students. They discuss how students in DL programs learn curriculum in their second language without the expense of losing their first language, why DL is necessary and emphasize that in terms of student success, it is the long-term results that really matter. Listen in to hear them share more of their love language, DATA! Speaking with them was such an honor for both of us!

Dr. Virginia Collier and Dr. Wayne Thomas are internationally known for their research on long-term school effectiveness for culturally and linguistically diverse students. Dr. Thomas is a Professor Emeritus of Evaluation and Research Methodology and Dr. Collier is Professor Emerita of Bilingual/Multicultural/ESL Education, both at George Mason University. Their research on dual language education is perhaps the most well-known across the United States. Their longitudinal studies of student achievement in various types of educational programs for English learners are considered seminal work in the field. Their Dual Language Learning series is published by Velazquez Press and available for purchase at www.dlenm.org.

On today's podcast, we continue to highlight scheduled speakers at La Cosecha Dual Language Conference, which begins on November 2nd. First, we hear from Dr. Barbara 'BK' Kennedy, founder of GlobaLingo Educational Consulting. BK is trilingual (English, German & Spanish), and has worked as a bilingual ESL and world languages teacher, as well as a district administrator and state program director. GlobaLingo provides customized Dual Language planning, evaluations, and professional development in the US and abroad. She is presenting two sessions at this year's La Cosecha Conference and shares a bit about each session's subject matter, along with why DLeNM (Dual Language Education of New Mexico) holds a special place in her instructional heart. We also went back to one of DLeNM's longtime supporters, James Lyons. Jim is one of the principal authors of the Bilingual Education Act of 1984. The impact of this historic Education Act is still felt today. Jim shares why one language is not enough; how multilingualism stimulates brain function; and why DLeNM has been successful in creating the best Dual Language conference in the United States.

Today's episode features Patrick Werito, Coordinator of Tribal Initiatives for Dual Language Education New Mexico, and Michael Rodriguez, Director of Dual Language Education New Mexico. These two forces share details of their ongoing work with the bi/multilingual communities in New Mexico and beyond, and of course, what to look forward to at the upcoming La Cosecha Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico from November 2nd-5th!

As more states and districts are embracing the “science of reading”, some educators and advocates have raised the question: Will these teaching methods work for English-language learners? Today we are joined by Mario Palma. Director of Bilingual ELL Solutions at American Reading Compan, and Dr. Kathy Escamilla, Professor of Education in the Division of Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity at the University of Colorado. Let's listen in as we learn about the implications this has on our emergent multilingual learners.

Joy School® English is produced by Alegra Learning, an education company with this simple mission: a life full of meaningful connections. While they are headquartered in Provo, Utah, Alegra Learnings' impact is felt on an international level. Brothers Tal and Eli Eyre share the mission and passion of Joy School® English with Segment Host, Suzanne Lasser. Joy School is a perfect way for young children to learn English and develop character-building values that incorporate social and emotional learning. With relatable phrases, built-in reward systems, unique art, and fun stories, young children are captivated by the Joy School English program. To find out more please visit joyschoolenglish.com. Let's listen in...

Three interesting statistics: The US has more immigrants than any other country in the world, Recent studies show that 40 million people living in the US were born in another country and Immigrants today account for 13.7% of the US population. With this in mind, today you will hear Yarina Sencion in conversation with Michelle Caceres. Michelle graduated from Syracuse University and has been an ENL teacher for the past five years. She shares her parent's journey to the US and the life they have made in the US over the past 35 years. Michelle's father's journey differs from that of my great grandfather and even that of Yarina's family, however, all three are examples of the thousands who have left the comfort of “home” in search of economic opportunity, and encounter political freedom or experience religious freedom. Author and multicultural advocate, Amada Irma Perez believes that the immigrant experience is strengthened by telling these stories and that through these stories people find the strength to thrive. Let's listen in...

This segment is Part 2 of Pearls of Wisdom with Dr. Ofelia Garcia. If you missed Part One, you'll definitely want to listen to that earlier episode. We begin this segment with Dr. Garcia reflecting on the importance of students being proud of who they are, their families, and their cultural roots. Dr. Garcia shared many pearls as we continued our conversation: "Growing a language is adding a pearl", and many others. Dr. Garcia is truly the Queen of Translanguaging! Let's listen in.

Sometimes as a podcast host you get to speak with a giant in the field and you just can't get all of the conversation to fit into one episode so what are you to do??? Well, you decide to split the interview into 2 episodes! Yarina and I had a chance to speak at length with a well-known expert with broad and strong roots in the field of bilingual/multilingual education, a true pionera: Dra. Ofelia Garcia. If you are unfamiliar with her work within the world of education you should know that she began as a teacher in NYC Public Schools before bilingual education even existed as an instructional model. She is Professor Emerita in the Ph.D. programs of Urban Education and of Latin American, Iberian, and Latino Cultures (LAILAC) at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. She has been a Professor of Bilingual Education at Columbia University's Teachers College and Dean of the School of Education at the Brooklyn Campus of Long Island University. She has authored and co-authored numerous books with other gifted researchers. When Yarina and I reached out to her about joining us on the podcast she responded by saying, “Sure, anything for teachers and our kids, who are holding our society up during these hard times.” Listen in to hear about the need to compare bilinguals in the US and their language skills within their own context, addressing the cracks in our educational systems and working towards educational opportunities that dismantle practices of cognitive injustice.

In honor of Bring Your Child to Work Day, program co-host Suzanne Lasser and I shared the Bilingual in America platform with Abraham and Emil, our respective bilingual sons. In the first part of this episode, the boys interviewed a language role model from their lives. Emil speaks with Marcela DeAndrade, his language teacher. Abraham speaks with Arshia Dhawan, his long-time friend, and classmate. During the latter part of the program segment, Emil and I continue to speak with Ms. DeAndrade, as we discuss the Seal of Biliteracy Certificate, available now for high school students. Let's listen in.

Hi! I'm Suzanne Lasser and today, on BIA, co-host Yarina Sencion and I speak with Susan Bretti and Dr. Lauren Raubaugh about Bilingual in America's partnership with Manhattanville College's Changing Suburbs Institute aka CSI. The theme for CSI's 16th annual educator's forum, taking place virtually on Friday, April 22nd, is Cultural Responsiveness: Unlocking the Potential for Diverse Learners. During Episode 14, we heard from Dr. Nancy Cloud about what she will be sharing as this year's Keynote Speaker. Right now, instead of sharing too many program details, we dive right in so you can hear about it directly from CSI Director Susan Bretti and one of the presenters, Dr. Lauren Raubaugh. The four of us had a lot of fun recording this episode and I feel that Yarina said it best, “When we align with others and champion the same causes, we get good information out to folks.” The conference is happening on April 22nd and there is still time to register. Until next time, what more will you do to #speakyourbeauty?

Xánath Caraza is an internationally acclaimed poet & author, with works translated into seven languages, and a professor at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. Today she speaks with Yarina Sencion about her multilingual life and the role each version of her identity plays in her work. During this powerful conversation, we once again touch on the beauty of Nahuatl, the language of the Mayans still in use today, that when European colonization began could be heard from Mexico to Panama. Xánath moves us with a reading of one of her poems, talks about her obsession with paper, and how writing for her is a life force. I was moved by the beauty of her recitation of just one paragraph of her poem Sihuatl. I fell silent reflecting on her 2018 book of poems, Lagrima Roja, being translated & released in Greek and English honoring those women who fell victim to femicide in Mexico. I felt heavy when thinking about her newest book of poems, Jackeline's Butterfly, inspired by the death of the first child in US custody as part of the crisis at the border. The weight of each of these works captures her commitment to sharing her undeniable gift with the world, and why as a writer she must let it all flow and rest. As we come to the end of Women's Herstory Month, we are privileged to highlight Xánath, another strong, intelligent, dynamic, vibrant, and creative soul who speaks her beauty.

Dr. Nancy Cloud, Professor Emerita of the M.Ed. in TESL Program and in the Department of Educational Studies at Rhode Island College, is a specialist in ESL, bilingual and dual-language education. Prior to her work in Rhode Island College, she coordinated the M.S. TESL and Bilingual Education Programs at Hofstra University for ten years and federally funded projects at the Institute for Urban and Minority Education at Teachers College, Columbia University for six years. Dr. Cloud publishes regularly on topics pertaining to the appropriate assessment and instruction of English Language Learners K-12. She received her doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University, and is proficient in Spanish. Let's listen in as Dr. Cloud shares her gems with co-hosts Suzanne Lasser and Yarina Sencion.

BIA hosts Suzanne Lasser and Yarina Sencion had the privilege of speaking with native-born New Yorker Luana Graves Sellars who lives on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, one of the most culturally rich and historic areas of the South. A passion for her Gullah Geechee roots has led her to become a preservationist and cultural influencer through her writing that is focused on educating others, as well as documenting Gullah culture, its history, and its people. In 2021, Luana started her own company, Sankofa Communications, which expanded into visual media where she also writes, directs, and produces cultural videos and documentaries. The founder of the nonprofits, Lowcountry Gullah, and the Lowcountry Gullah Foundation, Luana is also a keynote speaker and community activist who is doing her part to sustain and preserve Gullah Geechee culture for our future generations.