Supporting Recently-arrived English Learners
LCE works collaboratively with the APS Refugee and Newcomer Supports Program. On this page you will find some helpful information about how to best support Recently-arrived English Learners including refugee and immigrant students.
Our Department Vision
To support and empower refugee and immigrant students by creating a diverse and equitable educational ecosystem that upholds open communication, academic excellence, and cultural inclusion leading to self-efficacy and thriving community engagement.
Our Department Mission
To improve equitable education in APS by addressing the diverse academic, linguistic and social strengths and needs of refugees and immigrants through cultural empowerment, advocacy, community partnership and direct support.
Who are Recently-arrived English Learners (RAELs)?
We define RAEL students as:
In US schools for 3 years or less
Identified as English Learners
RAEL students may be refugees, asylum seekers or have other immigrant status.
Many speak multiple languages and have diverse educational backgrounds.
Watch this video to learn about RAELs and their experience in APS.
District Support Team
Antonio Baca
Program Manager
Mohammad Ismail
Refugee Case Manager (Dari, Farsi, Pashto, Urdu, Hindi)
Nabeel Ibrahim
Refugee Case Manager (Arabic)
Eric Ndaheba
Refugee Case Manager (Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, French, Kifulero)
Newcomer Specialists
Najmia Akbari
(Dari, Farsi, Turkish)
Supports Van Buren & Jefferson
Regina Nibigira
(Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Swahili)
Supports La Mesa Elementary
Parwin Wafa
(Dari, Farsi, Urdu, Hindi)
Supports Del Norte High School
Promise Kihundu
(Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Lingala, French)
Supports Van Buren
Daudi Mlengela
(Swahili & Kiha)
Supports Highland High School
TBD
Still hiring!
Newcomer Teachers
Cara Schroeder
Del Norte High School
Gloria Valderrama-Polo
Highland High School
Liz Bradford
La Mesa Elementary School
Natalie Perez
La Mesa Elementary School
Overview of the APS Refugee & Newcomer Supports Program
RAEL Flow Chart.docx.pdfAPS Newcomer Program_General_2023-2024_12.4.23.pdf