MABE 2023: Forging a Path to Multilingual Excellence

Danielle Andresen

English Language Development Specialist

Troy School District

Danielle Andresen is an English Language Development Specialist for Troy School District in Michigan. Danielle has many years of experience with teaching English Language Learners and values collaborating with classroom teachers on strategies and approaches to ensure our diverse learners receive a culturally responsive education. Danielle teaches English Language Learners in grades K-5 using intensive small group instruction along with providing support within the general education classroom. Students' language proficiencies range from newcomers in the United States to those demonstrating proficiency using English. Danielle believes in culturally responsive teaching and the importance of recognizing our diverse communities in an assets- based lens.

• 1:15 - 2:10 PM, May 11, 2023 Oak

  Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Doors

Wessam Abdelaziz is a native of Alexandria, Egypt and currently serving as coordinator of English as a Second Language (ESL) and World Languages at Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS). Wessam received his B.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Alexandria University, Egypt in 2006. After two years of teaching in Egypt, he was awarded the Fulbright Scholarship hosted by The University of Connecticut. He continued his educational journey with two graduate degrees; one in Applied Linguistics and another in Evaluation, Measurement, and Research and now finishing up his doctoral program at Western Michigan University. He has teaching experiences in the US and internationally that range from elementary to college level. Before coming to KPS, Wessam had the pleasure of working in different institutions like Western Michigan University, Middlebury College, the University of Utah, Kalamazoo College, and the Center for Applied Linguistics in D.C. He is married and has two sons. He enjoys playing and coaching soccer.

• 10:00 - 10:55 AM, May 11, 2023 Oak

  KPS Newcomer Program Evaluation

I graduated from Kalamazoo College in 1997. I completed a study abroad program in Oaxaca, Mexico. I started my career in Kalamazoo Public Schools in 1997 as a substitute teacher. I was hired into the ESL Program and worked as a paraprofessional, an itinerant ESL Teacher, and summer school before landing at Kalamazoo Central High School as an ESL teacher in 1999. I am very proud to have been part of this educational community for over 25 years.

I have been very engaged in the education community in many roles such as coaching varsity swimming, sponsoring the KCHS International Alliance, organizing mentoring programs, and acting as the Lead Chair for the Kalamazoo Cesar Chavez March Committee for fifteen years.

I am a SIOP trainer of trainers and participated in several workshops. I recently collaborated to develop and implement the KPS Phoenix High School Newcomer Program where I am currently the Lead ESL Teacher.

I am married to Julie LaBudda who is an exceptional art teacher at KCHS. We have one son, Owen. We live in Plainwell, Mi but stay engaged in the Kalamazoo community.

• 10:00 - 10:55 AM, May 11, 2023 Oak

  KPS Newcomer Program Evaluation

Kawther Mohammed received her undergraduate degree in English Linguistics from Eastern Michigan University and her Master’s in TESOL from Western MIchigan University. She has worked as a bilingual paraprofessional, a mainstream EL teacher, and a newcomer teacher. Currently she is the lead middle school newcomer teacher in Kalamazoo Public Schools’ Milwood Magnet School. She has a vested interest in supporting MLs upon entry into the U.S. and beyond. Therefore, a lot of her advocacy resides in unique family and community engagement projects. She views students as the most important stakeholders in their own education, and she uses their feedback to drive the resources she brings to them throughout the year.

• 10:00 - 10:55 AM, May 11, 2023 Oak

  KPS Newcomer Program Evaluation

As a new educator, I am always looking for new teaching tools and methods, in order to better support my students in their pursuit for academic success.

• 10:00 - 10:55 AM, May 11, 2023 Oak

  KPS Newcomer Program Evaluation

Horacio Sanchez

President and CEO

Resiliency Inc

Horacio Sanchez is the President and CEO of Resiliency Inc., an agency leader in helping schools improve school climate, instruction, and discipline. Horacio is recognized as one of the nation's prominent experts on promoting student resiliency and applying brain science to improve school outcomes. The Maladaptive Council (Academy of Science) recognizes him as a leading authority on emotional disorders and resiliency. He is a highly sought-after speaker and has keynoted many national conferences.

Horacio has been a teacher, administrator, clinician, mental health director, and consultant to the Department of Education in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and other states. His diverse education and background have helped him to merge research, science, and practice. Horacio sits on True Health Initiative Council of Directors, a coalition of more than 250 world-renowned health experts, committed to educating on proven principles of lifestyle as medicine. He has authored several articles and books on the topics of resiliency, closing the achievement gap, and applying neuroscience to improve educational practices and outcomes. He is the author of the best-selling book, The Education Revolution published by Corwin Press, which applies brain science to improve instruction, behaviors, and school climate.

• 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, May 11, 2023 Aspen

  Neuroscience Strategies for Effective Bilingual Instruction

A secondary teacher for 16 years, trying to navigate the world of MLL. Focused on creating everyday tools that you can plug in and use and that help students grow and meet maximum potential. I am a wife and mother to two children, ages 5 and 8 and driving the working mom/teacher struggle bus daily.

• 10:00 - 10:55 AM, May 11, 2023 Walnut

  Plug and Play to Make Your Day! Practical, Useful, MLL Strategies for Secondary Content Area Classroom Teachers

I have been an educator for 15 years in Melvindale Northern Allen Park and an instructional coach for 7 years specializing in language and literacy development.

• 10:00 - 10:55 AM, May 11, 2023 Walnut

  Plug and Play to Make Your Day! Practical, Useful, MLL Strategies for Secondary Content Area Classroom Teachers

Bursting with all the confidence of a mediocre, white male who teaches social studies and coaches football, I'd like to share with you all some of the things I've had success with while teaching content to MLLs. I have 14 years in the classroom, with 10 years in automotive engineering prior to that. Currently I teach APWH, Economics, and Engineering Design.

• 10:00 - 10:55 AM, May 11, 2023 Walnut

  Plug and Play to Make Your Day! Practical, Useful, MLL Strategies for Secondary Content Area Classroom Teachers

Physics teacher at Monroe High School

• 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, May 11, 2023 Maple

  Improving Productivity with Google Suites***Bring your device***

Angelica Ramirez serves as an Exceptional Student Education Lead Administrator at Detroit Public School Community District (DPSCD). She provides support and guidance, around the work of Multilingual Students with Exceptionalities, to ensure educational success. She comes with leadership and management experiences and is passionate about the success of all students. Her career experience includes Special Education Teacher, Principal, Director of a Migrant Program, and Lead Administrator. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Education, from Bowling Green State University, a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership: Principal Academy from Lourdes University, Director of Special Education from Wayne State University and is a Doctoral student in Research Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Wayne State University.

• 11:10 AM - 12:05 PM, May 11, 2023 Laurel

  Supporting the needs of Multilingual Students with Exceptionalities

Yevgeniya is currently an ESL teacher at North Farmington High School (Farmington Public Schools). Yevgeniya has experience teaching K-12 English learners as well as adult learners. She has a BA in English and an MA in TESOL.

• 11:10 AM - 12:05 PM, May 11, 2023 Oak

  Own Your Story: Teaching Memoirs to English Learners

Carly Spina

EL/Bilingual Instructional Coach

Glenview District 34 (IL)

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Carly Spina has 15 years of experience in Multilingual Education, including her service as an EL teacher, a third-grade bilingual classroom teacher, and a district-wide EL/Bilingual/Dual Language Instructional Coach. She is currently serving 8 schools (EC-8) in a linguistically rich community of over 60 languages and over 800 active EL students. Spina is an active member of the EL/Bilingual community on social media and enjoys networking and growing with teachers and leaders across the country. She is currently working on her first book with EduMatch Publishing.

• 10:00 - 10:55 AM, May 11, 2023 Laurel

  Beyond the Newsletter: Innovative Ways to Connect Meaningfully with Families

Melissa Batts

English Language Development Specialist

Troy School District

I have been working in elementary education for 13 years now. Previously, I have taught 4th and 2nd grade. In 2018, I earned my Masters in Bilingual and Bicultural Education at Wayne State University. I am now an elementary English Language Development Specialist within the Troy School District. I am also a co-chair for my building's Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion group where I work to create learning opportunities for teachers to grow their understanding in this area.

• 1:15 - 2:10 PM, May 11, 2023 Oak

  Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Doors

My name is Jodi Steimel and I am an English Language Development Specialist in the Troy School District. This is my nineteenth year teaching, and third year as an ELD Specialist. I have taught Elementary Spanish, Pre-K, and Kindergarten. I earned my Bachelor of Arts at Grand Valley State University and my Master of Arts at the University of Michigan Dearborn.

• 1:15 - 2:10 PM, May 11, 2023 Oak

  Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Doors

Puja Mullins was an EL teacher before transitioning into the role of EL Coordinator. She recently joined WISD as the Newcomer Coordinator, serving Washtenaw County districts. Puja has a Masters in TESOL and a Masters in Educational Studies.

• 1:15 - 2:10 PM, May 11, 2023 Walnut

  ELevate EL Family Engagement

Suzanne Vu is an EL teacher in the Ann Arbor Public Schools. She is the elementary EL lead teacher and also works with PreK-5. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a master's degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. As a first generation individual with deaf refugee parents, she shares similar first hand experiences with her students and families. She loves working with students from all over the world who bring richness to their district with their diverse backgrounds and experiences.

• 1:15 - 2:10 PM, May 11, 2023 Walnut

  ELevate EL Family Engagement

Melissa Yekulis is a full time kindergarten teacher at Klager Elementary School in Manchester. She is also the EL teacher in the district, and the Title III Coordinator, as well as the District School Improvement Leader, and Leader in Me Teacher Lighthouse Organizer. She received her first Masters in TESOL at Madonna University in Livonia. She is currently working on her second Masters in Educational Leadership through Concordia Ann Arbor. Melissa’s favorite part of the job is any time the lightbulb turns on and students find their “Aha!” moment.

• 1:15 - 2:10 PM, May 11, 2023 Walnut

  ELevate EL Family Engagement

Orly Klapholz

Co-Founder and CEO

Mutilinguals Forward

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Orly Klapholz has worked as a classroom teacher and Special Education coordinator for multilingual students. Currently, she consults with schools supporting multilingual students and Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) specializing in backwards planning pairing foundational skills with grade level content. She recently co-founded Multilinguals Forward, a hybrid education technology company providing districts and schools with tools to support SLIFE.

• 1:15 - 3:15 PM, May 11, 2023 Aspen

  Universal Design for Learning for Newcomers and SLIFE

Raya Womack

Teacher

National Heritage Academies

Raya Womack graduated from Cornerstone University in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in Integrated Science and a minor in teaching English as a second language. She traveled overseas to teach English summer camps in Lipjan, Kosovo and also taught a short term ESL and American Culture Study program to Japanese students from Hokuriku Gakuin University. Over the last 10 years she has experienced a variety of roles as a Multilingual Learner (ML) Teacher and Coordinator for grades 9-12, chemistry teacher, drama club director, and is currently serving as the ML Curriculum and Instruction Specialist grades 7-12 for National Heritage Academy.

• 1:15 - 3:15 PM, May 11, 2023 Maple

  Intentional Planning and Collaboration With the Key Language Uses Workshop

Ms. Alvarez is an English Learner Educational Consultant for Michigan Department of Education in the Office of Educational Supports in the Special Populations Unit. She has extensive experience as a dual language immersion teacher, as a principal, and as a director of school innovation focused on getting improved results for students of color and English Learners. She is passionate about culturally responsive teaching and improving instruction for English Learners in both elementary and secondary settings. Ms. Alvarez’s undergraduate work was focused on elementary education, mathematics, science, and English Learners. She holds a master’s degree in Bilingual Bicultural Education with an administrator endorsement.

• 2:25 - 3:20 PM, May 11, 2023 Laurel

  MDE Updates

Pam Schwallier, Ph.D.

Director of EL & Bilingual Programs

West Ottawa Public Schools

Dr. Pam Schwallier currently serves as Director of EL & Bilingual Programs at West Ottawa Public Schools in Holland, MI. Prior to this role, Pam was a Regional English Learner (EL) Consultant in West Michigan. She completed her PhD in Educational Leadership from WMU with her research focusing on K-12 schools’ civil rights obligations to English Learners. Additionally, Pam earned her Specialist in Education (EdS) in Educational Leadership, her MA in TESOL, and her BS in Elementary Education with a Spanish major. Prior to Pam’s work as an EL Consultant, she spent 10 years in elementary and secondary classrooms as a 4th grade general education teacher, middle school Spanish teacher, and EL educator serving students with all levels of English proficiency, including newcomers through highly-proficient, long-term ELs. Pam also serves on the MDE EL Advisory and has presented on various topics related to EL & bilingual education at local, state, and national events. Pam's dedication to educational equity, passion for serving culturally and linguistically diverse students and families, and vast experience working alongside students and educators in multiple capacities has allowed her to become a respected leader in the field.

• 2:25 - 3:20 PM, May 11, 2023 Oak

  Our ELs Deserve Better: Designing an Effective, Collaborative, & Equitable EL Program Model

Alma Tabakovic

EL Program Specialist

West Ottawa Public Schools

Mrs. Alma Tabakovic is a passionate educator, mother, and wife who embraces not only multilingual learners but all students! She has earned a master's degree in Literacy Studies and an educational specialist degree in Leadership through WMU. Her current role is supporting students and staff as an EL Specialist & EL Department Chair at West Ottawa High School. Alma's previous roles include teaching multilingual learners K-12, German, reading, and district EL coordinator. Alma's personal past of escaping war in Yugoslavia, growing up as a refugee in Germany, and immigrating to the United States has grounded her heart for languages, cultures, and the craft of teaching and learning. Being trilingual, Alma and her husband are proud to raise their three children bilingual and to model the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• 2:25 - 3:20 PM, May 11, 2023 Oak

  Our ELs Deserve Better: Designing an Effective, Collaborative, & Equitable EL Program Model

Dr. Carol Salva

Consultant

Seidlitz Education

Dr. Carol Salva is an author and award winning educator with proven success working with under-schooled, multilingual learners classified as SLIFE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education) or ELD (English Language Development) students. Carol routinely works with EL program leaders to support their educators in effective yet practical ways.
Dr. Salva is a Seidlitz Education consultant and a former elementary, middle and high school teacher. She lives with her husband and three children in Texas.

• 9:00 - 9:45 AM, May 11, 2023 Manor Ballroom

  Keynote Address: Factors that Impact the Success of Newcomers and SLIFE

• 1:15 - 2:10 PM, May 11, 2023 Laurel

  Grade Level Learning for SLIFE

• 10:00 - 10:55 AM, May 12, 2023 Laurel

  Rapid Literacy

Christina P. DeNicolo is an associate professor of bilingual and bicultural education in the College of Education at Wayne State University. Her research examines the ways sociopolitical contexts shape the implementation of bilingual education programs and the instructional practices and pedagogical tools that facilitate the use of students’ cultural and linguistic knowledge as resources for learning in K-12 classrooms. Her work has appeared in journals such as the Journal of Latinos and Education, The Urban Review, Bilingual Research Journal, and Language Arts.

• 11:10 AM - 12:05 PM, May 11, 2023 Walnut

  Lessons from Multilingual Learners - A Student Voice Panel

Amelia Rivas is a teacher at Academy of the Americas High School

• 11:10 AM - 12:05 PM, May 11, 2023 Walnut

  Lessons from Multilingual Learners - A Student Voice Panel

Dr. Ayanna Cooper

Ayanna is a co-author of Evaluating ALL teachers of English learners and students with disabilities: Supporting great teaching and has contributed to a number of publications such as the WIDA Essential Actions Handbook and Language Magazine. She has held positions as an English as a Second Language teacher, ELL Instructional Coach, Urban Education Teacher Supervisor, ELL/Title III Director and ELL/Bilingual Program Specialist. As an adjunct instructor she teaches a number of graduate level courses in the areas of first and second language acquisition, sociolinguistics and sheltering instruction for English learners across content areas.

• 2:25 - 3:20 PM, May 11, 2023 Walnut

  Field Notes from a Foot Soldier; Coaching Leadership Teams

Gen Saylor is the ESL test coordinator and service provider for Milan Area Schools. She received her undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan University, her Masters degree in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove college and her ESL endorsement from Concordia University. Gen has been a classroom teacher for 28 years and has taught various levels of English and Spanish. She loves working one on one with students and hopes to be able to do more of that in the future with the English Language Learners in the district.

• 1:15 - 2:10 PM, May 11, 2023 Walnut

  ELevate EL Family Engagement

Rachel Bulszewicz is the English Language Coordinator for Hartland Consolidated Schools. She received an ESL endorsement as well as her M.A. in TESOL from Spring Arbor University. She also earned her Bachelor's degree in secondary education in Spanish and language, literature, and writing from Eastern Michigan University. This is her third year in the EL coordinator role. Prior to working as the district English language coordinator, Rachel taught High School Spanish and English for 8 years. Currently, she works with students and educators K-12 in each building for the district. Rachel’s favorite part about her job is to learn about her students’ experiences and culture. Having grown up in Puerto Rico and being a part of a different culture helps her make connections with her students.

• 1:15 - 2:10 PM, May 11, 2023 Walnut

  ELevate EL Family Engagement

Huda Harajli

Teacher

Ann Arbor Public Schools

Huda Harajli is a proud educator, children's book author, and curriculum developer. She currently serves as the District EL Coordinator for Ann Arbor Public Schools. Huda is passionate about equity, literacy, and supporting multilingual learners and their families.

• 1:15 - 2:10 PM, May 12, 2023 Laurel

  MTSS for Multilingual Students

Jennifer Kibbey

Title One Interventionist

Crestwood Public Schools

Jennifer Kibbey holds an M.A in Literacy from MSU. She has been an educator for 25 years in the Crestwood School District. During that time she has served as a literacy coach, and title One/Interventionist.

• 1:15 - 2:10 PM, May 12, 2023 Laurel

  MTSS for Multilingual Students

Virginia David, Ph.D.

Faculty Specialist & Coordinator of TESOL

Western Michigan University

Virginia David is a faculty specialist and coordinator of the TESOL programs at Western Michigan University.

• 1:15 - 2:10 PM, May 12, 2023 Oak

  Get multilingual learners talking with Task Based Language Teaching

Selena Protacio Ph.D.

Professor

Western Michigan University

Selena Protacio is a professor of Literacy Studies and TESOL at Western Michigan University.

• 1:15 - 2:10 PM, May 12, 2023 Oak

  Get multilingual learners talking with Task Based Language Teaching

Robert has served public education for over two decades as a classroom teacher, English Language Development (ELD) specialist, and county ESL leader. A lifelong learner, he has earned certifications in Trauma-Responsiveness, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Applied Education Neuroscience, and English as a Second Language. This unique intersectionality has been the blueprint for Robert as he has provided professional learning at local, state and national conferences. Passionate about social emotional learning and collective care for adults in education, he understands that a culture of belonging begins with the adult nervous system. His pioneering work is focused on the nature of brain development, the importance of safety & connection, and identity affirmation for all students including those with significant trauma. He has also worked on the ground in rural Africa, where he has confronted issues of poverty and educational inequity. Robert lives in Southeast Michigan with his wife and three kids.

• 1:15 - 2:10 PM, May 12, 2023 Walnut

  Lost & Found: Reclaiming Multilingual Learner Identity through Educational Neuroscience

• 1:15 - 3:15 PM, May 12, 2023 Maple

  "Cultivating the Genius" of K-12 Multilingual Learners in Culturally Responsive Classrooms

Christy Osborne

ESL Consultant

Oakland County School District

Christy Osborne is an ELD Consultant at Oakland Schools Intermediate School District. She provides ELD program consultation, coaching, and professional development for educators and administrators in 28 school districts and public school academies. She earned her Master’s degree in Linguistics with TESOL endorsement at Oakland University, and held ESL Coordinator and classroom teaching positions for 16 years.

• 1:15 - 3:15 PM, May 12, 2023 Maple

  "Cultivating the Genius" of K-12 Multilingual Learners in Culturally Responsive Classrooms

Andrew Rodgers

Detroit Public Schools Community District

Training and Support Coordinator

Andrew Rodgers is proud to have worked in education for over 20 years as an elementary classroom teacher, bilingual literacy coach, assistant principal, and now as an ELL Coach. He holds a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Michigan and has received an Education Specialist's degree in Administrative Leadership from Wayne State University, where he also completed coursework toward his Bilingual-Spanish and English as a Second Language endorsements. Andrew is a certified SIOP and WIDA standards trainer and believes in the transformative power of targeted English Learner training for teachers and making cultural connections with students. In his free time, Andrew enjoys traveling, slowly and surely working toward his goal of visiting every state in Mexico and every country in Central America. In addition, he strives to return to the glory days of running the Detroit Free Press half-marathon every fall, but is not there just yet.

• 2:25 - 3:20 PM, May 12, 2023 Laurel

  Ready for Day One: Strategies to Engage Newcomer Multilingual Learners

Dr. Su McKeithen-Polish has been in the education field for over 30 years. She works at Macomb ISD for 20 years. Her educational degrees include, MA In Curriculum & Instruction with ESL emphasis and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.

• 2:25 - 3:20 PM, May 12, 2023 Oak

  "Walking in our Multilingual Learner's Shoes"-Unique perspectives on newly arriving students from Ukraine

Ukrainian Community Liaison, Olga Nichols, is an educator from Ukraine who has been living in Michigan for over ten years. Olga is very active throughout Macomb County, providing language support, culturally relevant professional development and other forms of outreach.

• 2:25 - 3:20 PM, May 12, 2023 Oak

  "Walking in our Multilingual Learner's Shoes"-Unique perspectives on newly arriving students from Ukraine

Clare Chamberlin has been teaching secondary Spanish immersion for 12 years. She has helped begin two districts' secondary immersion programs at the middle school level, written Spanish immersion curriculum, and provided professional development to enhance language acquisition in the classroom.

• 2:25 - 3:20 PM, May 12, 2023 Walnut

  Oracy Strategies in the Immersion Classroom

Dr. Michelle Yzquierdo

Educational Consultant

Seidlitz Education

Dr. Michelle Yzquierdo has become a very popular and sought-after speaker because of her knowledge and engaging and enthusiastic presentation style. She has presented at the local, state, national and international levels on a variety of topics related to cultural intelligence, best practices for English-learners, effective support for newcomers, and numerous trainings addressing state/federal accountability and compliance.

Dr. Yzquierdo's experience includes high school science teacher, new arrival team, where she taught students from all demographic groups, including ELs and first-year immigrant ELs, science department chair, peer facilitator, instructional specialist, and educational program specialist. Dr. Yzquierdo has received numerous awards and honors including commendations from the Texas House of Representatives, and fellowships in both Switzerland and Swaziland.

Dr. Yzquierdo holds an undergraduate science degree from Texas A&M University, a master's degree in organizational management from the University of Houston, and a doctorate degree in diversity and immigrant studies from Lamar University where she researched the factors contributing to the success of immigrant students. As the child of an immigrant, an educator, and a researcher, Dr. Yzquierdo has seen first-hand what it takes to support a diverse student population so they may see success. She has dedicated her career to providing other professionals with appropriate and necessary research-based strategies and tools. Dr. Yzquierdo lives in Houston, TX with her husband, Carlos, and sons, Kai and Karsten. She is the author of the book, Pathways to Greatness for ELL Newcomers: A Comprehensive Guide for Schools and Teachers, released in December of 2017.

• 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, May 12, 2023 Aspen

  Pathways to greatness for EL newcomers

I am Sarah Bender and I have been an educator in Michigan for 17 years. My passion is equipping educators with the latest and greatest strategies to make their job easier, and content more comprehensible for all learners. I take the time to vet resources and share out what works best.

• 11:10 AM - 12:05 PM, May 12, 2023 Oak

  Taking Students to the Next Level: Individualized Language Plans

Dave Serio

Manager of Education

Arab American National Museum

David Serio is an Education and Public Programming Specialist at the Arab American National Museum (AANM). He holds a M.A. in Near Eastern Studies and Arabic from Wayne State University. Mr. Serio joined the AANM in January of 2011, initially as an AmeriCorps, later being hired as a full-time Educator and Public Programmer. As an Educator and Public Programmer, Mr. Serio has conducted educational presentations and workshops throughout the Mid-West. Mr. Serio also helps in the planning and implementation of youth programs and cultural events, such as the SURA Arts Academy, a youth photography program. Mr. Serio is also the Curator of the Arab Film Festival and manages all of AANM’s film programming. Mr. Serio is also the Volunteer Coordinator and responsible with growing and managing the volunteer program. He also proudly serves on the board of the Anton Art Center, Friends of the Detroit Film Theatre and DAFT. Mr. Serio continues to implement educational and cultural programming to audiences far and wide.

• 11:10 AM - 12:05 PM, May 12, 2023 Laurel

  Telling Our Story: Arab American History, Culture and Resources

Laura Crouter has been working in the field of ESL for over twenty years. She has a teaching degree, with Spanish and ESL endorsements, with a M.A. in Linguistics.

• 2:25 - 3:20 PM, May 12, 2023 Oak

  "Walking in our Multilingual Learner's Shoes"-Unique perspectives on newly arriving students from Ukraine

Katie Toppel, Ph.D

English Language Development Specialist

Katie Toppel, Ed.D., is an English Language Development Specialist at the elementary level, serving multilingual learners through collaboration, co-teaching, and small-group instruction. Dr. Toppel is the newest member of the SIOP® author team and co-author of the book Making Content Comprehensible for Multilingual Learners: The SIOP Model, 6th Edition. She is also the co-founder of #MLLChat_BkClub on Twitter, which is a virtual book club aimed at improving instructional practices for multilingual learners. Katie Toppel will be speaking at the 2023 SIOP® Virtual Conference hosted and organized by Savvas Learning Company. For more information, visit Savvas.com/SIOP2023.

• 9:00 - 9:45 AM, May 12, 2023 Manor Ballroom

  Keynote Address: Crafting Worthy Experiences for Multilingual Learners

• 1:15 - 3:15 PM, May 12, 2023 Aspen

  Collaboration & Co-Teaching with SIOP® at the Core

Erica Hilliker is a middle school EL teacher at Forest Hills Public Schools in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She holds a Masters of Education in Literacy Studies with an emphasis in TESOL from Grand Valley State University. She also is certified to teach English and Spanish at the secondary level. During her career, Erica has worked with English learners at all grade levels from kindergarten to adult. Additionally, she is a certified SIOP trainer and has led professional developments for teachers throughout the West Michigan area. In 2017, she was selected as the Top Community Blogger for the Teaching Channel for her articles about teaching English Learners. Erica enjoys reading, films, and trying new foods. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her husband and two school-aged children.

• 10:00 - 10:55 AM, May 12, 2023 Oak

  Did they say free? Using Flippity to create online activities that engage ALL students! - Bring Device

• 10:00 - 10:55 AM, May 12, 2023 Oak

  Did they say free? Using Flippity to create online activities that engage ALL students! - Bring Device

Teresa Hendricks, Director, and Senior Litigator for Migrant Legal Aid in Michigan began her career as a bilingual outreach worker for MLA (Migrant Legal Aid) in 1990. She became the Director after moving up through the organization over several years. She has represented numerous victims of labor abuse and trafficking. She has litigated class and collective employment actions for migrant workers in the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, including trial for domestic workers displaced by foreign workers, and by pro hac vice in Illinois and Florida. She has argued cases in the US Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit and is admitted to the United States Supreme Court. She is an inducted member of Scribes American Society of Legal Writers. She has been published in legal journals, including the Michigan Bar Journal.
She has a long-standing trust relationship with migrant workers in Michigan and is a frequent speaker about migrant workers and their value in our community. She trains court staff and law enforcement around equal treatment of migrant workers in our legal system.

• 10:00 - 10:55 AM, May 12, 2023 Walnut

  Human Trafficking in the Migrant Workforce

Suzanne Toohey

Supervisor of Instruction and Pedagogy

Oakland Schools Intermediate School District

Suzanne Toohey taught multilingual learners for seventeen years. She earned a Master’s degree in Bilingual/Multicultural Education from Northern Arizona University. Suzanne is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer, MITESOL Past-President, and a member of the Michigan Department of Education English Learner Advisory Council. Suzanne has presented locally and at the state and national levels, on a variety of topics related to multi-lingua learners (MLs). She has authored several publications, including a chapter in the TESOL Press book Transforming Practices for the High School Classroom. Presently, Suzanne works at Oakland Schools, where she supervises the Instruction and Pedagogy Unit and consults with districts on their programs for MLs.

• 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, May 12, 2023 Maple

  English Learners: Cultural Difference or Disability?

Audry Hawkins

Detroit Public Schools Community District

Training and Support Coordinator

"Audry Hawkins began her ESL journey in 2006 when she ventured to Gwangju, S. Korea to teach Conversational English in a ""hagwan"" private school. After a three year stay, she returned to the U.S. and taught in Memphis, TN for seven years. Ms. Hawkins has since returned to Detroit, MI, where she currently works for Detroit Public Schools Community District as a Training and Support Coordinator for the Bilingual Dept.

• 11:10 AM - 12:05 PM, May 12, 2023 Walnut

  Through the Lens of a Student

Tiffany Craigie

English Learner Coach

Ottawa Area ISD

Tiffany Craigie received her Masters of Ed. in Differentiated Instruction from Cornerstone University, K-12 school administrator certification from Eastern Michigan University, and K-12 ESL certification from Western Michigan University. Over the past 18 years in education she taught 6th-8th grade language arts and mathematics, 3rd-5th grade ESL, and was a K-8 school administrator. She is currently an English Learner Coach for local school districts within the Ottawa Area ISD.

• 12:30 - 1:00 PM, May 12, 2023 Aspen

  EL Coaching Collaborative

Rachel Manzer

EL Coach

Ottawa Area ISD

Rachel Manzer has her Masters of Ed. in TESOL from Grand Valley State University. She taught Spanish and supported ELs at Reeths-Puffer High School from 2003-2008 and taught ELs at Hudsonville Public Schools from 2008-2021. Rachel is currently an EL Coach for Ottawa Area ISD Internal Programs.

• 12:30 - 1:00 PM, May 12, 2023 Aspen

  EL Coaching Collaborative