Bridging the Gap to Empower Educators to Advocate for English Learners

More Than a Test

In today's episode, we are joined by a special guest, Shelly Spiegel-Coleman, as we dive into the world of education advocacy and the power of collective action. Shelly is a seasoned advocate and the president of an organization that has been making waves in the education sector. We'll explore how their organization started, their impact on policy changes, and the importance of supporting English learners. From the successes to the challenges faced along the way, Shelly paints a vivid picture of what it means to be part of a community dedicated to uplifting the needs of students.

So grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired by the incredible work being done to go beyond the test in education.

Timestamps

[00:02:46] Supporting English learning with bilingual programs has declined.

[00:04:22] Formed group, improved English programs, and legislation passed.

[00:09:17] Shift to bilingual education, leadership supported the change.

[00:13:51] Minimal library books for students, especially in non-Spanish languages.

[00:17:42] Growth of 17 staff members, good reputation, and advocacy success.

[00:19:42] Support, humility, and grassroots growth are essential.

[00:25:13] Advocacy work, flexible administrators, retirement, and continued volunteer work.

[00:27:34] Educators working for English learners, supporting each other.

[00:31:35] Efforts made to help long-term English learners.

[00:36:46] People want community and support for education.

[00:43:43] California implements the English learner road map statewide.

[00:48:01] Find passion and dedicated colleagues to set goals. Make things happen with democracy. Go for greatness with love and compassion.

Connect with Shelly Spiegel-Coleman

Website: https://californianstogether.org/

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/

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Visit Amira Learning: https://www.amiralearning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amira-learning

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amira_learning/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amira-Learning-App-100064672554061/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD