ESL-7600 v2

Sonnenberg, R. (2025, February 21). Educators calculate their risks in class as states escalate anti-DEI pressure. Southern Poverty Law Center. https://www.splcenter.org/resources/stories/educators-south-anti-dei-pressure/
This article highlights how educators in the South face growing pressure to abandon DEI efforts. It underscores how undermining DEI initiatives can marginalize ESL students further, making it harder for educators to advocate for and meet the unique needs of this population.

Mavrogordato, M., & White, R. S. (2020). Leveraging policy implementation for social justice: How school leaders shape educational opportunity when implementing policy for English learners. Educational Administration Quarterly, 56(1), 3–45. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013161x18821364
School leaders are critical in shaping how equity-focused policies are implemented within their schools. This study found that while school leaders can support and hinder social justice through their decisions, they often do so without realizing the impact of their actions. Their understanding of policy and their approach to implementation directly influence whether reclassification practices promote or obstruct equity for EL students. The study offers a framework to help school leaders intentionally use policy implementation as a tool for advancing social justice in their schools.

Valdés, G. (2023). Social justice challenges of “teaching” languages. Daedalus, 152(3), 52–68. https://www.jstor.org/stable/48739981
In this article, the author critiques how language instruction and classification systems in U.S. schools, especially the labeling of Long-Term English Learners, often reinforce inequities for Latinx students. They call for a re-examination of language teaching practices and policies to promote greater linguistic justice and equity for minoritized students.

Learning for Justic. (n.d.). Supporting students from immigrant families. Southern Poverty Law Center. https://www.learningforjustice.org/supporting-students-from-immigrant-families
This article provides educators with strategies to support students from immigrant families by fostering inclusive, welcoming, and affirming school environments. It emphasizes the importance of understanding students' diverse backgrounds, offering culturally responsive teaching, and addressing challenges like fear of deportation or trauma. The resource also encourages schools to engage with families, build trust, and create safe spaces that uphold the rights and dignity of immigrant students.

TEDx Talks. (2023, July 19). It’s not what you teach, it’s what kind of teacher you are | Gregory Chahrozian | TEDxAUA [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diFrz4RENEY
In this presentation, the presenter examines teachers' powerful influence and how their character and values can profoundly shape students’ lives. Drawing on personal experiences and compelling stories, he shares the ways educators impact their students far beyond the lessons they deliver.