The integration of SEL competencies with language, literacy and core content instruction is essential in preventing and addressing the plight of LTELs. Instead of teaching SEL strategies in isolation, we can integrate them into language, literacy, and core content instruction throughout virtual or hybrid lessons.

In this highly engaging virtual session recorded on Day 1 of Imapct 2021, Margarita and Leticia have participants practice the integration of SEL competencies in teaching vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing in a virtual or hybrid learning environment. These strategies are ideal for Dual Language/bilingual, core content classrooms, and co-teaching instruction in secondary schools. Moreover, we need to pay more attention to adolescents’ social emotional needs such as challenges with self-management, relationship skills, and learning to work in teams. This session shares how to devise SEL opportunities that teenagers can appreciate.

The second annual Impact Conference was a free virtual event that took place on December 6th, 7th, and 9th and featured experts in supporting the needs of multilingual learners. Impact is an opportunity for classroom teachers and administrators, curriculum and instruction specialists, education advocates, policymakers, and more to join in a community of professional learning with the common goal of furthering progress in multilingual education. Learn more about our presenters below and watch all the recorded sessions on the EL Community page.

Session Resources:

• Purchase their book which dives deeper into the topics introduced during this session.
• Listen to Dr. Calderón's Highest Aspirations podcast interview.

• Visit Dr. Calderón's website at ExC-ELL.com.

Presenter Dr. Margarita Espino Calderón is a Professor Emerita/Senior Research Scientist at Johns Hopkins University.  She currently conducts long-term professional development and coaching programs in several school districts. She has been an Educational Leadership professor at the University of Texas El Paso and Associate Professor of bilingual courses at the University of California at Santa Barbara. She began her career as an ESL and English literature teacher at a high school. She has over 100 publications. 

Presenter Dr. Hector Montenegro is currently Senior District Advisor for the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) and works with districts and administrators nationally and internationally on systemic implementation of SEL.  He is also a Senior Associate for Margarita Calderon and Associates (MC&A). He has been a math teacher, principal, Chief of Staff and Superintendent of Schools in three districts in Texas. He is the past president of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) and Co-Director of the ALAS Superintendent's Leadership Academy (SLA). He also serves on several national boards including the New York City Leadership Academy (NYCLA), Board Chair & Senior Advisor for the Transformative Educational Leadership Academy (TEL), and the Parent-Teacher Home Visits (PTHV).

Presenter Leticia M. Trower (she/her/hers) has been passionate about language her entire life. She began her career in education as an elementary ESL teacher, and the majority of her work over the last twenty years has focused on language learners, professional learning for educators, and/or equity. She is currently Director of Professional Learning at Velazquez Press, Professional Learning Specialist at Margarita Calderón & Associates, and a graduate student in the Diversity and Equity in Education program at the University of Illinois. Her research interests include the impact of professional development in K-12 schools and the relationship between teachers’ language, beliefs, and practices.