Executive Board

President: Andrew Rodgers

Andrew Rodgers is proud to have worked with English Learners in Detroit Public Schools Community District for nearly 20 years as an elementary classroom teacher, bilingual literacy coach, and now as a Training and Support Coordinator. 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 as a 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.  

Vice President: Sandra Stevens

Sandra Stevens is a preK-8th grade teacher who supports multilingual learners for Bay City Public Schools. She lives in Bay City which is where she raised her two daughters who now attend University of Michigan and Saginaw Valley State University.  She is a Central Michigan University graduate, with a Masters of Education in Literacy from Walden University, and completed her TESOL coursework at SVSU.  Sandy first taught full-time in Arizona, and has traveled to most of the United States as well as Mexico, Canada, and Japan. She enjoys a wide range of mostly outdoor activities with family and friends. 

Secretary: Jonathan Tobar 

​Jonathan Tobar is consummate educational leader with a rich background in language acquisition. In his day job, he is the Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Learning at Livingston ESA. A native of Quito, Ecuador, he holds an M.A. in K-12 Educational Administration from Michigan State University, an M.A. in TESOL, from Eastern Michigan University, and a B.A. in Secondary Education and International Business from Cornerstone University. Jonathan has served as Director of Instructional Services, CTE Director, High School Principal, Regional Evaluation Specialist, and has taught Spanish, English as a Second Language, and Drama at the Middle and High School level. In addition, he has served as an Adjunct professor of Spanish at Siena Heights University and Adrian College. In his free time, he enjoys seeing the world (36 different countries so far), salsa dancing, promoting the arts, playing soccer, good food, and most of all, time with family. 

Treasurer: Erica Hilliker

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.