Racheal Aragon | Amanda Meier | Ayse Durmus | Lena Karabushin
How are our multilingual learners (MLLs) experiencing our classrooms? What voice do they have? How can we validate their strengths and engage them authentically in learning? What are some approaches to identifying and eliminating barriers currently impacting many MLLs in our classrooms? Participants will be challenged to explore these questions and join courageous conversations about combating deficit discourse and embracing the cultural and linguistic wealth of our students.
This session will begin by expanding the definition of multilingual students. MLL is a more inclusive term that describes students with various language backgrounds including ESL/ELL, as well as bilingual, Generation 1.5, and World English learners. Together, we will critically reflect on and discuss the importance of centering MLLs to create an inclusive, equitable classroom culture and to strengthen our pedagogy as culturally responsive practitioners. Participants will leave with MLL resources and a better understanding of the unique strengths and experiences MLLs bring to our classrooms and campuses, and how to adjust our teaching practices to better serve them.
Facilitators of this workshop lead the MLL Success Initiative at CCA.
Racheal Aragon, M.A. previously taught academic and community ESL, and is currently faculty in English at CCA.
Amanda Meier holds an MA in TESOL from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is an instructor of English and ESL at CCA and CCD.
Ayse Durmus, M.A. is an instructor of ESL at CCA and CU-Denver. She is passionate about creating classrooms that promote love and liberation.
Lena Karabushin, M.A. is a faculty member at CCA in the College Preparatory ESL Program. She is a multilingual educator passionately advocating for MLL students.