Our Community, Our Success: Investing in Latino Educators to Transform Multilingual Education

Our Community, Our Success: Investing in Latino Educators to Transform Multilingual Education

September 20, 2024

By Berenice Pernalete, Director, Instituto Mundo Verde

One program that invests in Latino educators was born out of the flexibility of the charter school model at Mundo Verde Bilingual Public Charter School, a dual-language Spanish and English charter school in Washington, D.C. serving grades pre-K-5th grade. The Instituto Mundo Verde (IMV) Fellowship isn’t just a training program—it’s a lifeline for educators who share the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of their students.

Serving a diverse cohort of educators—over 75% of whom identify as Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish-speaking—the fellowship provides a pathway for these educators to enhance their skills, grow professionally, and become leaders in their classrooms. By offering a free, self-paced, and stipend-supported journey, the program supports educators as they cultivate the skills needed to thrive in multilingual environments.

Here’s how the program is making a difference.

1. Reigniting Passion and Purpose in the Classroom

Teaching can be a challenging profession, but it’s also deeply rewarding. The IMV Fellowship focuses on “Reignite Your Passion,” helping educators reconnect with the joy of teaching through practical, inquiry-based strategies. Our evaluations show that 98% of participants reported feeling re-energized and better equipped to create engaging and inclusive lessons.

As one fellow noted, “This program gave me tools I didn’t even know I needed and reminded me why I chose this path in the first place.” By centering on hands-on learning and reflection, the fellowship ensures that educators leave with actionable strategies that breathe new life into their classrooms.

2. Uplifting Paraprofessionals: The Heart of Bilingual Education

Paraprofessionals are often the unsung heroes of our schools, playing a critical role in supporting multilingual learners. The IMV Fellowship recognizes their importance and offers tailored development opportunities that empower them to step confidently into leadership roles within their classrooms. This focus on the development of paraprofessionals and new teachers not only strengthens the teaching pipeline but also contributes significantly to the retention of teachers of color—a vital need in the education field.

According to the fellowship’s evaluation, participants overwhelmingly reported feeling more supported and valued, which directly impacts their decision to stay in the profession. One participant shared, “As a paraprofessional, I felt seen and valued for the first time. The fellowship not only taught me new skills but also gave me the confidence to use them.” By investing in these dedicated educators, the fellowship ensures that our most passionate and capable educators receive the support they need to thrive and continue making a difference.

3. Leading with Equity and Innovation

Equity isn’t just a buzzword at IMV—it’s a commitment. Our fellowship’s “Equity First” principle equips educators with the tools to create classrooms where every student feels seen and supported. Fellows learn to implement differentiation strategies that are not just inclusive but transformative, directly impacting student engagement and success. Data from our evaluations reveal that 75% of fellows feel ready to tailor their teaching to meet the diverse needs of Hispanic and Latino students. This isn’t just about adding more tools to a teacher’s toolkit; it’s about changing the way we think about education and who it’s for.

The IMV Fellowship is a celebration of the diverse voices that enrich our schools and communities. By empowering bilingual educators, especially those from Hispanic backgrounds, we honor their cultural contributions and amplify their impact within the charter school sector. Our fellows are not just learning new strategies; they are reclaiming their roles as leaders, advocates, and changemakers.

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we are reminded of the vital role these educators play in reflecting the richness of our communities in their classrooms—and the flexibility in the charter school model that helps programs like ours thrive. The IMV Fellowship stands as a testament to the power of investing in Latino and Hispanic educators, recognizing that their success is essential to the success of every student they teach. By investing in our own, we uplift entire communities and ensure that the voices of Hispanic educators are heard, celebrated, and empowered to lead.

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