Creating environments where English Language Learners can soar.
K-12 CONSULTING FOR EDUCATORS
More than 10% of students in the United States are ELLs.
And that number is growing.
While Spanish is the native language for the majority of these students, the reality is that ELLs are as diverse as this world.
(Source: U.S. Dept. of Education)
ELL and immigrant students may be at a loss in their new environment.
I certainly was… not understanding the language, not knowing the culture of this new country or even the school environment, and feeling alone.
How can we support the physical, social-emotional, and educational needs of these precious students who have so much to offer?
We help K-12 educators support and empower
English Language Learners.
We recognize that no teacher can do it alone.
You serve many students with a variety of backgrounds.
We’re dedicated to co-creating innovative solutions to help you expand your strategies and resources to support English Language Learners (ELLs) and help them achieve their full potential.
Here’s what you can expect:
Hidden potential
We’ll help you tap into the hidden superpowers of the English Language Learner. Learning about each child’s unique experience—in another country, in school, in their family—can capitalize on the strengths they bring to the classroom and help define their challenges.
Shared experience
Your ELLs may be newcomers, developing ELLS, longterm ELLs, ELLs with disabilities, or students with interrupted formal education. We have years of experience with a variety of ELL students, families, and schools and can build on your experiences to help create an intentional, supportive learning environment to best serve your students.
Collaboration
It takes a community to help a student soar. Let’s look at ways we can collaborate to build multiple support systems in multiple places to best serve the needs of your students.
“NYSTESOL hosted a Summer Book Study featuring Dr. Bolgen Vargas's book "Let Our Children Soar."
Educators were immersed in a first hand recount of the experiences many of our students have as they enter our school systems in the United States.
Our book study concluded with a live Q&A with Dr. Vargas where he shared insights and guidance on navigating a successful path for all our learners. ”
Christine Passarelli
VP of Advocacy, www.nystesol.org
What it means to SOAR
Superpower—The hidden superpower of the ELL is their native language and life experiences they bring to the classroom
Optimism—That all children can succeed if students and teachers are given the support and resources they need to thrive.
Adaptability—Transitioning to a new language, new culture, and new expectations
Resilience—Succeeding in the face of adversity.
I’m Bolgen Vargas—Founder of Let Our Children Soar K-12 Consulting.
As a teenager without any knowledge of the English language, I transitioned from a rural bohio in the Dominican Republic to the bewildering environment of New York City.
Neither of my parents had a single day of formal education and my early schooling was rudimentary including middle school via radio.
But, I beat the odds that my beginnings would predict and graduated high school within four years of entering the United States. Defying what my background would have suggested, I then graduated with my bachelor's degree in four years and eventually earned a master's and doctorate.
I’ve worked in adult education, served as a high school counselor, and as Superintendent of the Rochester, NY School District and the Manchester, NH School District. With my community behind me, I was propelled to leadership roles in civic and community-based organizations, including President of the Rochester City Schools Board of Education.
None of this would be possible without the support of multiple people in multiple places: teachers, librarians, counselors, administrators, community members, and of course, family. I am eternally grateful to all those who saw the potential in this ELL student and immigrant and helped him find his wings and soar! Let’s do the same for your ELL students.
ELL Teachers
Looking for ways to engage the general teaching staff and administrators in your efforts to support ELL students and families? We offer professional development workshops, book studies, consultations, and case studies to support your efforts and expand your resources.
Administrators
Wondering how to build your school and district capacity so you can respond to the needs of your school community to serve ELL students and families? Let’s talk about strategic ways to foster student achievement and support social and emotional well-being for this unique population.
The reviews are in:
“Let Our Children Soar! is an important addition to the work of Mike Rose. . .Paulo Freire, and many others.
They would no doubt appreciate how Bolgen Vargas never forgets the child in the remote hamlet who plucked a sweet fruit for his mother.”
- Radical Teacher, a peer-reviewed journal
“A tribute to all the educators and students who have struggled with a new language, a new country, and new customs.”
“Bolgen Vargas has always grabbed chances despite the odds against his succeeding.
Imagine: staying in a class way too advanced for his circumstance, going to an out-of-town college where he earned bachelor's and master’s degrees, becoming superintendent of school in two different states, getting a doctorate in education from a prestigious university, and writing this book.
As his former high school English teacher, I look forward to seeing Bolgen’s book in print. It will open educators’ eyes to a whole new amazing world. This book is a tribute to all the educators and students who have struggled with a new language, a new country, and new customs.”
- Judith Goldberg, Retired English Teacher, Seward Park High School