ML Chat: Conversations with Multilingual Educators

In this episode of the ML Chat Podcast, hosts Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris chat with Dave Gomez, Director of Educational Equity for Granite School District, about his 30-year career in education. He shares his journey from bilingual tutor to leadership roles, reflecting on his migrant background, mentorship, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in schools. Dave explores Flashlight360's imp...

In this episode of the ML Chat Podcast, hosts Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris dive into a dynamic conversation with Jannelle Kubinec, the visionary CEO of WestEd. Discover how Kubinec is driving change through research-based practices, embracing joyful learning environments, and empowering teachers. Jannelle talks about her transformative work on California's K-12 funding and accountability systems...

In this ML Chat Podcast episode, language educator Noemi Rodriguez joins hosts Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris to discuss her insights into language education, curriculum design, and AI's role in classrooms. Noemi shares her motivation from her mother's multilingual journey and explores AI's benefits and challenges in education. The episode also highlights the importance of community support and in...

In this ML Chat Podcast episode, hosts Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris talk with Tatyana, Deputy Project Director for the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition. With over 20 years of experience, Tatyana shares her journey as an English learner from Moldova and her expertise in second language acquisition, applied linguistics, and educational assessment. She discusses NCELA's tools...

In this ML Chat Podcast episode, hosts Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris interview Tan Huynh, an experienced educator specializing in English language acquisition. They discuss his teaching methods, collaboration in classrooms, his new book with Beth Skelton, and the importance of content learning and language development for multilingual learners. Tan also shares personal stories as a Vietnamese ref...

In this episode of the ML Chat Podcast, hosts Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris speak with Robert Gouthro, ML Coordinator for Berkeley County School District. Gouthro discusses managing the rise of multilingual learners, effective programs, and supporting teachers. He stresses the need for systemic changes, better data tools, teacher development, and professional learning communities.

In this episode of the ML Chat Podcast, hosts Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris welcome Risa Woods, an advocate for newcomer and English learner students. Risa shares practical tips and insights from her influential Instagram channel, stressing the significance of championing students rather than sympathizing for them. Find out how to better support newcomer students and aid core teachers with Risa's...

Join hosts Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris on the ML Chat Podcast as they welcome Beth Skelton, a distinguished language educator and co-author of 'Long Term Success for Experienced Multilinguals.' Beth shares her journey, providing invaluable guidance for educators and administrators on multilingual education. Delving into essential strategies such as backwards design in lesson planning, objective...

Marybelle Marrero Colon, from the Center for Applied Linguistics, offers a valuable perspective on identifying learning disabilities in English learners while leaning into her own journey to share insight and perspective for students walking through the identification process. Learn about the significance of comprehensive education, precise evaluations, and personalized assistance for multilingual...

Step into the captivating world of immigrant narratives on this ML Chat Podcast episode with Tea Rozman, co-founder of Green Card Voices. She shares her remarkable journey from working in refugee camps to empowering individuals through storytelling. Her work brings transformative impact by amplifying immigrant journeys and building projects like Green Card Youth Voices to build empathy and underst...

Tune in to the ML Chat podcast for an interview with Kia Johnson from the Center for Applied Linguistics! Discover her journey from paraprofessional to education leader, perspectives on family engagement, Title III compliance, and teacher advocacy. Get valuable information on alternative certification and teacher assistant pathways. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on critical education t...

Tune in to the ML Chat podcast with hosts Justin and Mandi as they discuss Elizabeth Sanchez Szepesi's insights around building and growing a dual-language program. Explore topics like assessment equity in both goal languages and growing a dual-language program to meet the changing needs of your district. Elizabeth shares valuable insight and perspective as a veteran dual-language teacher and admi...

In Episode 21 of ML Chat Podcast, Maria's infectious enthusiasm for science teaching sparks lifelong curiosity among students. Collaborating with peers and instructional coaches, Maria fosters a vibrant learning community. Her approach transforms the classroom into a shared space of discovery, integrating content teaching with language learning to enhance cognitive growth and literacy skills.

Join Pamela Broussard, a multilingual educator and advocate, as she unpacks empowering strategies to enhance student engagement while building student independence and confidence. Broussard shares insights from her Leading ELLs Facebook group, which promotes resource-sharing among educators. She exemplifies a commitment to inclusion, hands-on learning, and encourages new teachers to diversify reso...

Uncover innovative strategies for authentic assessments, tailored for multilingual learners. Learn from leaders Steph Just and Jackie Griffin about formative assessments, inclusive systems, and maintaining high expectations with flexibility. Elevate your teaching practices with practical insights about the cycle of formative assessment and informed instruction.

In Episode 18 of the ML Chat Podcast, educators Kathy Alston and Keenan Lee discuss their co-teaching model for multilingual students at Harrisburg School District. They share insights on relationship-building among teachers, adapting to student demographics, and overcoming challenges post-COVID. Be inspired by their data-driven methodology, teacher success coaching strategies, and long-term commi...

Embark on an insightful conversation with Mandi Morris, the National Curriculum and Instruction Specialist for Flashlight Learning, as she discusses the intricate landscape of teaching English as a second language. Explore the challenges in secondary English learning education, from resource scarcity to teacher turnover, while emphasizing the pivotal role educators play in shaping learners' identi...

This week on the ML Chat Podcast we are bringing you something a little different. Last month we hosted our latest in the ML Chat Webinar Series where we were joined by multilingual educators from across the country to discuss high-stakes assessments.  The webinar featured Jen Albury and Jayme Croff, who you may have heard on previous episodes of this podcast.  We covered some critical topics like...

Embark on Connie Sisneros' inspiring journey from monolingual teacher to ESL specialist and bilingual director. Uncover the impact of professional development, Flashlight 360, and high expectations on student success. Dive into her valuable advice for fostering collaborative growth in bilingual and ESL instruction.

Step into an engaging podcast conversation with the remarkable educator and multilingual education advocate, Jen Albury. She shares her inspiring journey from teaching in Mexico to her current role in Holyoke Public Schools, Massachusetts. Discover the power of asset-based teaching, student-centric learning, and the importance of language in education. This episode is a compelling exploration of i...

Step into the world of education transformation with Jonathan Lemaster on the ML Chat Podcast. As a language and learning specialist in the Poway Unified School District in San Diego, and the co-founder of Literacy Geeks, Jonathan's passion for skill-based instruction and ed tech shines through. With over two decades of experience, he emphasizes the importance of engaging all students and fosterin...

Dive into the dynamic world of multilingual education with Jayme Croff, a passionate advocate and leader in the field. Join the ML Chat Podcast as Jayme shares her inspiring journey, from the classroom to supporting diverse learners, and the transformative shift towards inclusive, asset-based approaches. Discover the power of collaboration, data-driven insights, and the heartwarming stories that f...

In this episode of the ML Chat Podcast Kim Peterson joins Justin and Tim to delve into the pivotal role of speaking for English learners. She underscores its significance as a foundation for success in reading and writing and ultimately being able to pass the state assessment. Kim also walks through her journey of building a program from the ground up and shares what she feels every new ML admin a...

This week on the ML Chat Podcast we are excited our final episode from our Voices of NABE Series where you get to hear directly from the ML Community that joined us at the 2023 NABE Conference. On this episode we ask educators the question "What do you wish you had known when you started your career?".  Tim Blackburn and Justin Hewett discuss their answers and dive into the insights they provide f...

This week on the ML Chat Podcast we are excited for another episode  from our Voices of NABE Series where you get to hear directly from the ML Community that joined us at the 2023 NABE Conference. On this episode we hear how educators are helping their students make connections across languages and build the language they already have.