Building Belonging in Immigrant-Centered Education

EL/ML Educators Wear an Invisible Cape

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.

Supporting Multilingual Learners with Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld

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.

What Multilingual Learners Can Do: A Strengths-Based Approach

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.

Building Belonging in Immigrant-Centered Education

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.

A Place to Belong: Building Sanctuary Through Radical Welcome

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.