| | | | In the News
The community of Kansas City is remembering Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a local DJ who hosted a program called "Taste of Tejano" on independent radio station KKFI and also hosted numerous celebrations, weddings, fundraisers, and quinceañeras in the community. Ms. Lopez-Galvan was killed during a shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs parade earlier this month that injured several other victims, including many children.
This special episode of "Taste of Tejano" pays tribute to Ms. Lopez-Galvan and her lifelong love of music that was inspired by several generations of musicians in her family — including her father, the founder of Kansas City's first mariachi band. |
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This Month's Highlights
Serving Black ELLs and Immigrants: Upcoming Events
These upcoming events focus on Black ELLs and Immigrants, as well as diverse perspectives on Black History: |
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| Last year, AFT launched an action guide on Mandated Support in Education. In order to learn more about educators' ideas about being required reporters of abuse and neglect, AFT and the University of California, Irvine are conducting an online survey to learn more about educators’ perceptions of reporting to Child Protective Services. Even if you haven’t reported to CPS, AFT is interested in hearing from you.
Survey participants will be entered into a drawing to receive one of 65 Target, Staples, or Bookshop gift cards for $15. You are welcome to share the survey with other educators as well. |
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Learn how two schools are using lunchtime to support ELLs in creative ways, as well as tips for rethinking how lunch periods can offer ELLs some extra time in the day for enrichment and support.  
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Colorín Colorado continues adding to its new ELL strategy library! Our newest strategies are available here: |
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In the Classroom
Learn how paraprofessionals can support English language learners in the classroom and beyond in these tips from veteran ELL educators.
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| Learn how classroom teachers and ELL specialists can collaborate effectively with paraprofessionals on behalf of ELLs. |
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Educator Spotlight
The following features highlight the experiences of paraprofessionals and former paraprofessionals who have worked with ELLs.
Video Project: Best Practices for Evaluating ELL Educators
Our latest video project, which showcases the peer evaluation program in Syracuse, NY, features Mr. Jesus Ortiz, an elementary teacher who started his career as a paraprofessional.
Q&A with Special Education Teacher Genesis Gonzalez
Genesis Gonzalez is a bilingual special education teacher in New York City who started her career as a substitute paraprofessional. In this interview, she shares the story of how she got involved in the profession and what she has learned about supporting her students with learning disabilities (LD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As a Paraprofessional Working in the Classroom, I’ve Learned That Relationships Come First
In this article for EdSurge, Brooklyn paraprofessional James Parra writes, “Serving as a paraprofessional for eight years, I have had the unique experience of being in multiple classrooms...Although every classroom is unique, one common thread I’ve found is a focus on relationships, but that takes time and capacity, which has become more strained over the past few years.” |
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 | | Carla Fernandes, Paraprofessional (Brockton, MA) |
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| Video: Engaging the Whole School Staff in Trauma-Informed Practice Every person who works in a school makes an impact on a child’s life. Trauma expert Ricky Robertson explores why a whole-school approach is needed to address the impact of adverse childhood experiences and trauma. He also discusses the valuable roles that all educators and staff members play in creating supportive learning communities. |
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 | | ELL Strategies: Accountable Talk |
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Family Resources and Outreach |
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 This tip sheet offers ideas on how families can support their children's social-emotional health and find resources in their home languages. This tip sheet is available in 16 languages. |
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Book of the Month
By Alicia Salazar
Illustrated by Thais Damiao and Mario Gushiken
 Camila enters the spelling bee and is doing all she can to become a star speller. But when she gets nervous, her mind goes blank. Her anxiety is making her forget everything she's learned. Can Camila find a way to stay calm and spell her way to success? This book is part of the “Camila the Star” early chapter book series, which features several titles, some of which are also available in Spanish.
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NEA’s 2023-24 Read Across America digital calendar highlights a monthly theme and a related picture book, middle book, and YA book. All of the titles in the calendar include activity suggestions, questions for discussion or reflective writing, related resources, and more titles to try. February's theme is Advance Racial Justice.
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