Bilingual Education

Dr. Patrick Proctor is a Professor at the Lynch School of Education and Human Development and an educational researcher focusing on bilingualism, bilingual education, language, and literacy. Theoretically, his work attempts to merge critical and developmental perspectives on language, literacy, and bilingualism in education. In terms of praxis, he works directly with teachers and administrators on issues of bilingual education and language-based literacy instruction, particularly in schools and districts characterized by student (and ideally teacher) multilingualism. 

Ana Soto Viquez's background as a bilingual student in international schools across different countries fueled a strong  interest in bilingual and dual language education, especially the development and instruction of reading and writing in bilingual students. A first grade teacher at the dual language Hurley K-8 School with Boston Public Schools for the last five years, she has had the opportunity to work closely with second language learners, seeing second language acquisition and biliteracy theories put into practice and explore how the theory of Systemic Functional Linguistics can inform w'sriting instruction for bilingual students.

Amanda Campbell is the Assistant Director for English Learner Education in the Lynn Public Schools where she oversees the Compañeros Dual Language program, and a school committee member in Salem, Massachusetts. Prior to her current role, she was an ESL teacher, a kindergarten and first grade teacher of newcomers, and a literacy specialist for multilingual learners. 

Jess Yáñez has a graduate certificate in Bilingual Education from the Universidad Pontificia Comillas and a MA in Middle East and Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter, where she co-led a research project in intercultural learning. Prior to her role as Supervisor for Bilingual Programs at the Worcester Public Schools in Massachusetts, Jess developed literacy curriculum for grades 4-12 with the Literacy Design Collaborative and Carnegie Learning. She has taught and served as a literacy leader in bilingual programs in Los Angeles, Worcester, and Spain, mostly in middle school.

Rebecca Westlake brings over 15 years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, building and district leader of English Learner and Bilingual Education. She has served multilingual students and families in the Massachusetts urban communities of Salem, Boston, Lawrence, and Chelsea, as well as in D.C public schools and in Spain in dual language, general education, and Sheltered English immersion settings. Rebecca holds a Masters in School Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education. She speaks Spanish and English and believes deeply in the power of teachers, families, and community to bring about positive change.