Curriculum Vitae

The Mission and Vision Behind the Research and Instruction:

The mission of ENL - to serve culturally and linguistically diverse students and families - is part of a larger historical narrative of Catholic schooling that matters immensely and has begged to be retold and promoted as a reminder of the mission at the heart of Catholic education. Catholic schools were founded over a century ago to serve immigrant and marginalized communities in a Gospel-centered environment that honored the inherent God-given dignity, gifts, and culture of each child. It is my aspiration that linguistically and culturally diverse students continue to benefit fully from a legacy of Catholic education serving their unique academic and cultural needs. English learning children or emergent bilinguals are the fastest growing population in U.S. schools, and research is crystal clear that educators do not receive substantial or sufficient coursework, professional development, or training in this area.

My work is situated within a larger mission that I have the honor and joy of directing.: The Catholic School Advantage is a national movement committed to promoting the value and accessibility of a quality Catholic education among Church and school leaders, educators, and families. The work of the CSA is committed to embracing the universality of the Church by increasing Latino enrollment, educating culturally and linguistically diverse children through excellent academic formation, and empowering all Catholic school stakeholders through the celebration of faith, language, and culture.