Ensemble Learning

If students aren’t fluent yet, does that mean they aren’t learning? Not at all. Language growth happens in stages—here’s three key factors that shape the journey: ?? Age – Younger children often pick up languages faster because their brains are more adaptable. Plus, they have more years ahead to practice and refine their skills. ?? Educational Background – Students with strong literacy skills in their native language have an advantage. They can transfer what they already know about reading, writing, and grammar to their second language. ?? Exposure – The more students hear, speak, read, and write in the new language across different settings, the faster they learn. Meaningful conversations, engaging content, and real-world practice make a huge difference. So how do we track progress? Beyond test scores, look for real-life indicators: ? Are students using the new language more confidently? ? Can they express complex thoughts and ideas? ? Are they engaging in deeper conversations with peers and teachers? Language growth is a marathon, not a sprint. Let’s make sure every student gets the time, support, and opportunities they need to succeed. ????

Let’s put an end to language shame. ?? Too often, I hear Spanish-speaking parents apologize for their limited English—but that has never been the issue. The real problem? The narrative that being multilingual is a problem instead of an advantage. Here’s what I learned over and over again: ? Bilingualism is a superpower. Multilingual people have stronger cognitive skills, better job prospects, and deeper cultural connections. ? No one should feel ashamed of their home language. Yet, many students and families internalize the message that English is the only language that matters. ? Schools play a huge role in changing this. When we create classrooms that celebrate language diversity, we empower students to take pride in their identity. So, what can we do? ?? Flip the script. When a parent apologizes for their English, remind them they have something many wish they had: Fluency in more than one language. ?? Advocate for dual language programs. They help students maintain and develop their home language while mastering English. ?? Model respect for all languages. Teachers, school leaders, and policymakers need to embrace multilingualism. Language is not a barrier. Shame is. And we have the power to change that.

Ever wondered how it actually looks to actively support multilingual learners (MLLs)? One of the best ways to do so is to balance language development and content mastery in the classroom. ? ?? Planning Tip: Set both content and language objectives for each lesson. This will help teachers craft strategies that deliver subject matters, while also strengthening the academic language the students need to fully engage. ?? How to do it? ? Identify key vocabulary and sentence structures students will need. ? Use structured academic talk—with sentence starters and discussion prompts. ??? ? Give students opportunities to practice language in context with peer discussions and guided support. When MLLs feel confident using academic language, they show it by participating more and feeling more motivated towards their own learning! ???? In what other ways do you support your multilingual students? ??

Multilingual learners are an asset, not a challenge—and more schools are finally realizing this. By embracing a culturally responsive curriculum, you will see the power of dual language programs in action. I’ve spent my career working to remove barriers for multilingual learners. And I’ve seen one thing over and over: When we value students’ home languages and cultures, their perspective on education is transformed. Here’s why dual language programs are a game-changer: ? Stronger academics – Students learn in both their home language and English, which actually boosts their performance across subjects. ? Higher confidence – When students see their culture reflected in the classroom, they feel like they belong (and that belonging fuels engagement!) ? Better career opportunities – Bilingualism is an advantage in a global economy. Employers actively seek multilingual talent. ? Stronger communities – When schools celebrate linguistic diversity, families feel welcomed and involved. That connection makes a difference. But here’s the challenge: few schools have these programs. Too many students still sit in classrooms where their home language is seen as something to “fix” instead of something to leverage. We have the research. We know what works. Now, we need more action. If you’re a school leader, educator, or policymaker, let’s talk about how to expand these opportunities for multilingual learners. ??

?? Ensemble Learning is thrilled to welcome Nakisha Attar (Kisha) as our new Administrative Manager! ?? Kisha brings 8+ years of executive assistant experience to our team, where she’ll be supporting CEO Daniel Velasco, Ed.D and VP of Programs Katherine Hamilton. Her expertise in organization, scheduling, and meeting planning will help maximize our senior leaders' capacity to focus on our mission. ?? Former 7th & 8th Grade ELA Teacher as a Teach for America Corps Member in Colorado Springs ?? Deep understanding of education from her time in the classroom ?? Second-generation immigrant with a personal connection to educational equity ?? Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Arizona, currently pursuing a Master’s in Child Development With her unique blend of education and administrative leadership, Kisha brings valuable insight into our work supporting educators and multilingual learners. ?? When she’s not keeping Ensemble Learning running smoothly, Kisha enjoys spending time with her dog and seven nieces and nephews. We’re excited to have her on board! Please join us in welcoming Kisha to the Ensemble Learning family! ???

?? Ensemble Learning is excited to welcome Julie Lara, Ph.D as our new Multilingual Programs Director! ?? Dr. Lara brings a wealth of experience in transforming educational opportunities for multilingual learners: ?? Former Director of the Emergent Bilingual Support Division at the Texas Education Agency (TEA) ?? Led policy development impacting 1.3 million emergent bilingual students across Texas ?? Spearheaded the Texas Effective Dual Language Immersion Framework (TxEDLIF) ?? Developed Texas' first strategic plan to improve bilingual education Beyond her impressive credentials, Dr. Lara is a passionate advocate for educational equity and holds a Doctorate in Multicultural Special Education from the University of Texas at Austin. Her research explored cultural identity and learning differences in bilingual classrooms, shaping her mission to create inclusive, effective educational environments. As the eldest of nine siblings and a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Lara understands firsthand the power of education in transforming lives. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that cultural and linguistic diversity are strengths—not challenges—in education. ?? We can’t wait to see the impact she’ll have on our work supporting multilingual learners! Please join us in giving Dr. Julie Lara a warm welcome to the Ensemble Learning family! ????

Who leads the leaders? Behind every exceptional school principal, there's often an invaluable partner you never see. Even the most capable school leaders need someone in their corner—someone who’s walked in their shoes, understands their challenges, and can help turn overwhelming obstacles into manageable steps. That’s where principal coaching comes in. But let’s bust a common myth: Coaching isn’t a remedy for struggling leaders—it’s a catalyst for great ones. Think about it: ?? CEOs have executive coaches ?? Professional athletes have performance coaches ?? Even coaches have coaches Why? Because leadership is complex, and perspective is priceless. What Principal Coaching Looks Like: ?? A trusted thought partner for tough decisions ?? A sounding board for new initiatives ?? An expert guide for change management ??? A safe space to explore challenges The Result? Leaders who: ? Make confident decisions ? Navigate competing priorities effectively ? Build stronger school communities ? Create lasting positive change Because the strongest leaders are the ones who never stop asking better questions. What role has coaching played in your leadership journey?

??? New Podcast Episode: From Math Teacher to Educational Leader Join us for an inspiring conversation with Katherine Hamilton, our Vice President of Programs at Ensemble Learning, on the Educator Forever podcast. Katherine shares her remarkable journey from teaching math in Los Angeles to transforming educational outcomes for multilingual learners nationwide. Her story offers valuable insights for educators considering their career trajectories. Key Highlights: ?? How teaching experience shapes educational leadership ?? Balancing instructional coaching with classroom teaching ?? Innovative approaches to teaching both content and language ?? Strategic career paths for passionate educators Whether you're a classroom teacher exploring new horizons or a leader supporting teacher development, this episode offers practical wisdom for your educational journey. Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gbwpEYwt What career paths have you explored in education? Share your journey below??? #EducationalLeadership #TeacherDevelopment #MultilingualEducation

"I'm just not a math person." How many times have you heard a student say this? Probably too many. But the truth is, with the right support, everyone can be a math person—especially multilingual learners (MLLs). Join Katherine Hamilton, our Vice President of Programs, as she shares powerful strategies to get MLLs students talking, reasoning, and proving that they ARE math people. ?? Walk away with practical techniques ?? Connect with like-minded educators ?? Learn how to create a math classroom where EVERY student has a voice Math isn’t just about numbers: It’s about language. When students talk through their thinking, they deepen understanding, build confidence, and engage more fully in problem-solving. But too often, multilingual learners don’t get the opportunities they need to participate. Let’s change that. ?? You Are a Math Person: Leveraging Student Talk in Mathematics for Multilingual Learner Success at the NABE (National Association for Bilingual Education) Conference. ?? Saturday, February 22, 2025 ? 8:00 AM - 9:20 AM ?? Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, Georgia. Meeting Room: Techwood Are you attending? Drop a "YES" in the comments if we’ll see you there! And if you want to connect with Katherine before or after the session, don’t hesitate to reach out! ??

What's the one thing surgeons, athletes, and CEOs all have in common that most teachers don't? Professional coaching. Teaching might be the only profession where we expect experts to work in isolation. Think about it: ?? Surgeons work in teams.? ?? Athletes have coaches.? ?? CEOs have mentors.? ?? Lawyers have partners. Yet too often, we ask teachers to excel alone. This is why instructional coaching matters. It's about transforming the entire professional experience through: ? Building Teacher Confidence – When teachers feel supported, they take positive risks in their practice. ? Creating School-Wide Excellence – Common systems and practices ensure every student gets high-quality instruction. ? Supporting Professional Growth – From content expertise to pedagogical practices, coaches help teachers level up. ? Retaining Great Teachers – Having a thought partner reduces burnout and increases job satisfaction. Keep in mind that teaching in isolation is lonely AND ineffective. Every professional needs someone in their corner. What would teaching look like if every educator had a coach??