You want to help every student succeed.
But do you have the resources in place to meet the complex needs of this population? Have you and your peers received the ongoing professional development needed to reach these students and their families?
The challenge is to tap into these students’ hidden superpowers—the assets they bring to the classroom and the school—to help them take advantage of the opportunities available to all of our students.
We’re here to help you with that.
We can help identify the key approaches and resources you need to feel supported, prepared, and equipped so you can, in turn, support your students and families.
Here are a few ways we can work together:
Group Workshops
Variety of professional development workshops for ELL and general educators tailored to your school needs and the population you serve. Sample workshops:
Engaging Immigrant and Latino Families
Family Engagement
School Wide Focus on Meeting the Needs of ELL Students
The Hidden Superpowers that Multilingual Students Bring to our Schools
Tapping into Linguistic Prior Knowledge of Spanish-English Bilinguals: Cognates, cognatos!!
Meeting the Social/Emotional Needs of Our Students
Book Study Groups
Review and discuss one or more books providing insight to the needs of English Language Learners with a final Q&A session with the author.
Let Our Children Soar! by Dr. Bolgen Vargas has been described by participants as inspirational, insightful and applicable to the difficult work of teachers and administrators.
Social-Emotional Learning in the English Language Classroom by Luis Javier Penton Herrara and Gilda Martinez-Alba
Social-Emotional Learning in English Language Teaching by Luis Javier Penton Herrara and Janine J. Darragh offer practical, concise ways to implement SEL into the ELL classroom.
When Stars Are Scattered (National Book Award Finalist) by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
1:1 Consultations
Customized work to identify issues, review current services and resources, and collaborate on solutions to challenges and obstacles faced by educators.
Speaking/Presenting
Keynote speaking opportunities for professional conferences or school/district/community-wide events. Motivational speaker for engaging staff, students, families.
Group Workshops
For ELL teachers, general educators, and school leaders to participate in discussions of how to respond to the challenges and opportunities of educating ELL students
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A Let Our Children Soar Consultant will present a 60- to 90-minute group workshop for K-12 educators and/or administrators
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An experienced ELL educator will moderate the discussion, allowing all teachers and administrators to discuss and identify together which practices will best serve their students.
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Workshops can be customized to your school, district, or community and tailored to your specific needs.
What People are Saying
The Hidden Superpowers of Our Multilingual Students: Workshop Feedback
“ This was very motivating. I am excited to share this with others. ”
“ Great reminder of what each learner could possibly be talented at and how we, as educators, should find ways to uplift their talents (hidden talents).”
“Wonderful to hear from someone who has actually gone through the process of being a ELL student.”
Book Study Groups
For K-12 ELL teachers, multilingual teachers, general teachers and administrators
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Participants will read Let Our Children Soar! The Complexity and Possibilities of Educating the English Language Student and discuss the experiences, trauma, and hidden superpowers impacting ELL/MLL students.
This is an asynchronous book club with discussions happening over 5 weeks and concluding with an in-person or Zoom meeting with the author.
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Participants will gain insight and strategies that educators and the school community can use to promote the success of the ELL population.
Book study groups can be school-based or district-based. Ideally, we recommend having a mix of ELL/MLL teachers and general educators.
“This book opens opportunities for reflection, discourse and application among K-12 educators.”
“Let Our Children Soar! is a powerful book. For teachers and administrators, it is a case study to open opportunities for reflection, discourse and application. This book will leave a lasting impact on all who read it.”
Ellen Tuohey, Former Elementary Teacher, Supervisor of Student Teachers
1:1 Consultations
For teachers and school leaders, bilingual or multilingual department head, board of education, or school superintendent
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We’ll meet to discuss your individualized need (for example, family and community engagement). We’ll schedule follow up meetings to co-develop strategies to build your capacity to respond to the needs of your growing multilingual student population.
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The 1:1 consultation allows for confidential, personalized strategies and support.
Speaking & Presenting
Motivational presentation for school faculty and staff, departments, district-wide and school-wide
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A Let Our Children Soar Consultant will attend your school meeting or event to deliver a 45- to 60-minute motivational presentation with Q&A.
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Consultant has personal experience as an ELL and educator who can provide a unique perspective as both learner and educator.
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Presentations can be customized to your school, district, or community and tailored to your specific needs.
What People are Saying
“I had the pleasure of meeting Luis Javier Penton Herrera in Person! I was fortunate to attend his inspiring presentation , and let me tell you, it really exceeded all expectations!”
“Meeting Luis Javier was not just about seeing the brilliant professional he is, but also about witnessing the extraordianry human being behind his work.”
“I attended the 23rd ESOL Conference at Kennesaw State University, attended break out sessions, and listened to experienced keynote speakers. Luis Javier Penton Herrera, Ph.D. was phenomenal speaking on advocacy for language teacher wellbeing and success.”
