Let’s help all our children soar!
K-12 CONSULTING FOR EDUCATORS
To help K-12 educators tap into the hidden potential and superpowers of their ELL students so teachers can thrive and students can soar.
O U R M I S S I O N
Every teacher and administrator wants the very best for each and every student.
But not everyone is prepared to identify and address the full range of needs of our ELL students. Not everyone is skilled and experienced at identifying the potential behind the challenges these students may bring to the classroom.
The reality is that most general education teacher and administrator training programs include minimal focus on the complexity of educating the ELL and immigrant student population.
We must be prepared to identify and address the full range of needs of our ELL students.
We are charged with the premise that “all teachers are teachers of ELLs.”
As such, the circle of impact must widen to include the entire school community, from the classroom to the cafeteria.
That’s where we come in.
Our Approach
We’ll work with you to promote a rich teaching and learning environment for multilingual learners and K-12 educators.
We listen first.
First, let’s talk. Help us understand your unique needs and challenges in educating your ELL students.
We respond second.
Then, we’ll collaborate on innovative ways to address your issues using our extensive experience and knowledge.
We support always.
Finally, we’ll help you implement, troubleshoot, and track progress toward your goals.
You’ll be working with a team of experienced professionals who have been where you are (and, for some of us, have been ELL students ourselves).
We use a flexible approach so we can be responsive to your specific needs and develop strategies that will be most effective for your students and your environment.
We aim to foster a school- and district-wide environment of collaboration among educators to address the complexity and possibilities of educating ELL students.
We all want to see our students succeed!
We’ve been there.
We’ve lived it, experienced it, taught it, and administered it.
One thing we definitely know is that no single approach can solve every challenge. And no single person can be the answer.
It takes a community.
Our Team
We collaborate with a team of educational advisors. After listening to your needs and challenges, we’ll match you with an advisor who has the expertise appropriate to your needs and goals.
Luis Javier Penton Herrera, PhD
Dr. Luis Javier Penton Herrera is an award-winning Spanish and English educator and a best-selling author. He was selected as the 2024 TESOL Teacher of the Year, awarded by the TESOL International Association and National Geographic Learning.
Professor (Profesor uczelni, in Polish) at Akademia Ekonomiczno-Humanistyczna w Warszawie, Poland.
Co-Editor of the Contemporary Perspectives on Learning Environments book series (IAP).
Co-Editor of Tapestry: A Multimedia Journal for Teachers and English Learners, and Associate Editor of Language Teacher Education Research.
Fulbright and English Language Specialist with the U.S. Department of State.
Served as the 38th President of Maryland TESOL from 2018 to 2019.
CONSULTANT, PRESENTER & MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
Annamaria Falzarano
Annamaria Falzarano has extensive experience in the field of World Language education as a classroom teacher, Teacher on Special Assignment, and district administrator.
Led the Office of World Languages in the Greece Central School District in Rochester, NY.
Developed and implemented innovative programs such as the ENL Family Literacy Program for students and their families, a K-5 Dual Language program for Spanish, and a K-12 ENL Newcomer’s Program, among others.
Provides high quality professional learning opportunities designed to support staff and to accelerate student learning.
Lifelong learner and passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with those entrusted with the daily work of educating our students.
CONSULTANT & PRESENTER
Bolgen Vargas, EdD
Dr. Bolgen Vargas has a long career of supporting teachers, students, administrators, and families in multiple environments.
As a non-native English speaker and immigrant, he has first-hand experience in the transition such students go through and the kinds of support they need to reach their full potential.
He spent his entire career educating children from all walks of life and has worked in adult education.
Twenty years serving as a high school counselor.
Superintendent of the Rochester, NY School District and the Manchester, NH School District.
Leadership in civic and community-based organizations, including President of the Rochester City Schools Board of Education.
Lifelong learner and educator who has dedicated his career to helping students achieve and succeed to their fullest potential.
Received distinction designation at University of Pennsylvania for his dissertation, “Educational Success in the Face of Adversity as Measured by High School Graduation”
FOUNDER & CONSULTANT
Mary Doyle
Mary Doyle has worked in leadership roles in several school districts, supported schools as a trusted partner, and served nonprofit organizations to improve outcomes for all students.
Former Executive Director of State School Improvement Interventions for the New York City Department of Education, where she served for nearly a decade.
Oversaw the implementation of state-led initiatives including School Receivership, schools identified as having the lowest performance in the state.
Chief of Staff for the Rochester City School District .
Chief of School Innovation for the Rochester City School District.
District Strategic Planner for the Providence Public Schools.
CONSULTANT & PRESENTER
Lisa Taylor
Lisa Taylor has more than 20 years of experience as an ENL teacher and has served as department leader for ENL. Her favorite part of the job is welcoming and acclimating new families to the school system. Previously, she worked for the Monroe County Department of Social Services as a tutor for unaccompanied refugee minors.
Over 20 years of experience as an ENL teacher.
Leadership in facilitating collegial circles, book studies, and other professional learning opportunities.
Passion for welcoming and acclimating new families to the school system and ensuring continued family engagement.
Experience with unaccompanied refugee minors and SIFE (Students with Interrupted Formal Education) students.
Mentored student teachers.
Led the creation of a newcomer toolkit to assist teachers with new arrivals.
Advocated for and developed a curriculum for a newcomer program and a summer program for K-12 students new to the country.
Active member of NYS TESOL (New York State Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages).
Volunteer with Refugee Strong, an organization supporting refugees.
CONSULTANT & PRESENTERWhat others are saying:
"Annamaria is a servant leader who is culturally competent and aware of the unique academic and linguistic needs of students in the school community.
During her tenure in our school district, she designed dynamic instructional programs for multilingual learners as well as created opportunities to support their families with the resources needed to navigate a new language, culture and school system.
Her passion for the work is evidenced in her advocacy for diverse learners, dedication to improving achievement outcomes and ability to foster strong relationships with all stakeholders."
Ashley Dame-Marino
Assistant Director of English as a New Language, Greece Central School District
"I really liked Dr. Vargas’ book. It is a personal testimonial of how important schooling with love and care is to students like the author.
His story is not much different than that of many of us. We can definitely relate and that makes this reading all the more enjoyable.
The book also provides the instructors, administrators, and parents with a variety of references to authors and professionals who have given us ample evidence in support of the statements held dearly by Dr. Vargas. I will be buying additional copies and giving them away as presents to my colleagues in education."
Dr. Jose G. Rivera
K-12 Educator
Our Core Values
Trust
The foundation to establishing a thriving and collaborative relationship among K-12 educators, administrators, ELLs, and their families.
Innovation
Essential to moving from one level to the next and addressing complex challenges in K-12 education.
Humility
Acknowledges that we all have more to learn from one another.
Respect
Dignifies the dedication, contribution, capabilities, and potential of every individual.
Success
Measured by the satisfaction of the people we serve.
