Welcome back to Season 13 of Highest Aspirations, an education podcast focused on providing educators with inspiration and strategies to help multilingual learners achieve their highest aspirations. This episode will be a little different from what we usually share, as long-time host Steve Sofronas is officially passing the hosting mic to colleague and friend Sandra Medrano-Arroyo.

In this episode, Steve and Sandra will be sharing the mic as they talk about change, why it can be intimidating to some and motivating to others, and what’s next for both of us moving forward. They discuss what we can do to mitigate the emotions change can cause, how organizational culture impacts change management - or "change readiness", and how change can be used as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. 

• To download the ⁠full episode transcript⁠, click here.
• To find more podcast episodes and show notes/key takeaways, ⁠visit our podcast resource page.⁠
• For additional free resources geared toward supporting English learners, ⁠visit our blog.⁠
• To expand your connection within the Ellevation community by join our ⁠Ellevation Educator Facebook Group.⁠

Enjoy the episode and the chance to learn more about the new podcast host, Sandra Medrano-Arroyo! Thank you Steve for 12 amazing seasons as host.

Sandra is bilingual and bicultural, with over 25 years in education supporting ELs. Since joining Ellevation, she has created dual language content and professional learning modules. Now, as the National Director of Multilingual Learner Success, she advocates across the country. Sandra enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, gardening, and family time. Fun fact: She learned Italian cooking from a Sicilian Nonna and always secretly hoped to host her own cooking show!