Transforming Communities through Multilingualism with NYCDOE

I was thrilled to give two presentations during Transforming Communities through Multilingualism, a three-day seminar hosted by the New York City Department of Education on November 5 and 7, 2018. I was able to share my experiences about the importance of parents and grassroots efforts for New York’s multilingual learners. It was great to see old friends and meet new ones. Glad to bump into the inspiring Dr. José Medina. Congratulations to Cynthia Felix, Yalitza Vasquez Johnson, and the Division of English Language Learners & Student Support for organizing this seminar. It was a star-studded gathering with José Medina, Richard Carranza, Dr. Linda Chen, Kathleen Leos, Dr. Margarita Calderón, and many more.

I am even more convinced that NYC will gain tremendously from offering dual language programs in as many languages as possible. I believe bilingual education is for all. The time to do this is now! Being bilingual is the new norm and it must start with our youngest citizens.