In this episode of the ASSETS Podcast, Dr. Jobi Lawrence sits down with Dr. Margaret Marcus, Executive Director of the Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation, and Dr. Conor Williams, researcher and writer focused on educational equity, school diversity, and public policy, to explore the future of multilingual education in the United States.

Together, they discuss how expanding access to high-quality dual language programs can help bridge achievement gaps, strengthen educational equity, and prepare students for success in an increasingly interconnected world. Drawing on research, policy, and practice, the conversation examines the academic, social, and economic benefits of multilingualism, the barriers that limit access to dual language opportunities, and the investments needed to scale these programs nationwide.

Whether you are an educator, school leader, policymaker, or advocate, this episode offers valuable insights into why multilingual education is not simply a language initiative, but a powerful strategy for empowering students, strengthening communities, and creating more inclusive schools for all learners.

Episode Description

In this episode of the ASSETS Podcast, Dr. Jobi Lawrence sits down with Dr. Diane August, nationally recognized researcher and expert in multilingual learner education, to discuss the critical role of academic language development in supporting student success.

Drawing on decades of research and her work as a contributor to the 2014 Institute of Education Sciences Practice Guide, Teaching Academic Content and Literacy to English Learners in Elementary and Middle School, Dr. August explores why academic language is essential for multilingual learners to access grade-level content and achieve at high levels. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating language development into content instruction, examines key recommendations from the Practice Guide, and offers practical insights for educators seeking to strengthen instruction across disciplines.

Whether you are a classroom teacher, instructional coach, school leader, or policymaker, this episode provides valuable guidance on how research-based practices can help multilingual learners develop the language and literacy skills needed to thrive academically. Dr. August's expertise and perspective serve as a powerful reminder that language development is not separate from learning, it is fundamental to it.

Link to Word Analyzer (You will need to create an account): https://vocabularytool.airprojects.org/

Link to article: https://www.aft.org/ae/winter2025-2026/august

In this episode of the Project ASSETS Podcast, Project Coordinator Lauren Wood reflects on the often unseen and underrecognized work of educators who support multilingual learners. Drawing from her firsthand experience working closely with EL/ML educators, Lauren shares insights into the dedication, sacrifice, and emotional labor that go into serving this student population.

This episode highlights the critical role these educators play in shaping student success, often going above and beyond without recognition. Lauren offers a thoughtful perspective on the challenges they face, the impact they make, and why their work deserves greater visibility and appreciation.

Whether you are an educator, school leader, or advocate, this conversation serves as both a reflection and a reminder of the extraordinary commitment behind supporting multilingual learners every day.

In this episode of the Project ASSETS Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld, a leading expert in multilingual education and co-teaching for English learners. Dr. Honigsfeld shares her insights on effective strategies to support multilingual learners, the importance of collaboration among educators, and how schools can create inclusive, language-rich learning environments.

Listeners will gain practical takeaways for implementing high-impact instructional practices, strengthening partnerships between general and specialized educators, and fostering success for all students.

Whether you are a classroom teacher, instructional coach, or school leader, this conversation offers valuable perspectives and actionable ideas to support multilingual learners in meaningful ways.

In this episode of the Assets Podcast, Dr. Jobi Lawrence is joined by Anya Hurwitz and Karen Salinas Ascencio for a thoughtful conversation centered on language development, literacy growth, and asset-based instruction for multilingual learners.

Together, they explore how language acquisition unfolds across proficiency levels and why a strengths-based approach is essential for supporting students from emerging to bridging stages. The discussion highlights the deep connections between identity, culture, and academic content, while offering practical, research-informed strategies educators can implement immediately.

This episode provides meaningful insight for educators committed to empowering multilingual learners and cultivating inclusive, responsive classrooms.

In this episode, host Jobi Lawrence welcomes Rosmery Milczewski, Assistant Principal at Flushing International High School in New York City and a member of the International Network for Public Schools. Rosmery shares her journey from immigrating to the U.S. as a teenager from Colombia to becoming a leader in multilingual and immigrant-centered education.

Together, Jobi and Rosmery explore identity, language, and the power of lived experience in shaping compassionate leadership. This conversation centers on empathy, resilience, and what it truly means to create educational spaces where students—and educators—feel seen, valued, and supported.

n this episode, host Dr. Jobi Lawrence is joined by Chandler Miranda, an educator and advocate with extensive experience supporting newcomer students and families, to explore what it means to create sanctuary in schools. The conversation centers on the concept of radical welcome and the mindset shifts educators and school communities can adopt to move beyond surface-level inclusion toward intentional, sustainable support. Chandler Miranda shares insights on fostering belonging, trust, and safety for students navigating new languages, cultures, and educational systems, emphasizing the role of empathy, culturally responsive practices, and school-wide commitment. The conversation reinforces that creating sanctuary is an ongoing, intentional practice rooted in equity, care, and belonging.

In this episode of the ASSETS Podcast, host Dr. Jobi Lawrence sits down with Sam Finn, Director of Newcomer Policy and Practice at Californians Together and a leader with the California Newcomer Network (CANN). Sam shares insights from his work supporting educators who serve immigrant and newcomer students, discussing how policy, research, and practice intersect to create more equitable learning environments.

Together, they explore what defines a "newcomer" student, the challenges these students face entering U.S. schools, and the policies that most impact their educational experience. Sam also highlights how the California Newcomer Network empowers teachers with tools, strategies, and advocacy to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and successful.