Register here!

WNY Educators have made impactful and long-lasting contributions to the quality of life in our community, state, and country through their work in educating English language learners. The work achieved everyday ensures that our ELL students are academically successful to help to support our newest citizens to be prosperous, full participants of a free and democratic society.

For this reason, three awards will recognize outstanding WNY educators who have made notable contributions to our field through efforts such as connecting with the community, acting as a leader in our field, or engaging in meaningful advocacy work on behalf of English language learners. Submissions will be judged based on the candidates’ character, contributions, and their significance.

RBERN West will solicit nominations for each of the awards. To nominate someone, you must complete the application for the award and submit two letters of recommendation. Submissions are due no later than March 31, 2023. A committee will review submissions and judge using established criteria. Selections will be made and the nominator notified no later than April 28, 2023. It will be the responsibility of the nominator to let the selected recipient know. Awards will be presented at the RBERN West End of Year Celebration Event on June 2, 2023 from 4:00-6:00pm at Erie 1 BOCES Education Campus, Building B, Room B-1. We ask that the nominators be prepared to present the awards to the selected recipient.

Teacher Leader Award

This award will be given to a teacher who has exhibited exceptional leadership in support of ELL education. This is someone who steps outside of their normal classroom responsibilities to support their colleagues, provide professional learning opportunities, and bring awareness to others about best practices to support ELL students.

Eligibility: any teacher of a WNY public school district

Submit a nomination here.

ELL Advocate Award

This award will be given to a staff member who has engaged in meaningful advocacy work on behalf of English language learners. This can include work in the local community and any impact on changes in a local school district and beyond. The intention is to recognize advocacy efforts that have a significant impact, but might not otherwise be known or receive attention.

Eligibility: any staff member of a WNY public school district

Submit a nomination here.

ELL Administrator of the Year

This award will be given to an administrator who goes above and beyond to support the ELLs in their school/district. This is someone who knows and advocates for best practice for ELLs, provides robust professional learning opportunities for staff that empower them to best serve ELLs, and act as a local leader to champion ELL education.

Eligibility: any building or district administrator in a WNY public school district

Submit a nomination here.

Please check back monthly as we add events and update any sections that say "TBD"!

SESSION 2 / SATURDAY / FEBRUARY 4, 2023 / 8AM – 9:30AM

Differentiating Oral Language & Literacy Instruction for English Language Learners with Disabilities: K-8

This session will provide guidance on differentiating oral language and literacy instruction and intervention for English Language Learners with disabilities.

• Identify components of culturally and linguistically responsive IEPs
• Review considerations in planning oral language and literacy interventions for ELLs with disabilities
• Understand how to integrate scaffolds and accommodations in instruction of ELLs with disabilities
• Implement effective practices for oral language, reading and writing instruction for ELLs with disabilities

SESSION 3 / SATURDAY / MARCH 18, 2023 / 8AM – 9:30AM

Working with Families: Supporting Language and Literacy Development in the Home Language: K-8

This session will provide guidance on strategies parents can use to develop their children’s oral language and literacy skills in the home language.

• Identify misconceptions about bi/multilingual language development among ELLs
• Review the role of the home language in second language acquisition
• Examine characteristics of school climates that welcome parents and families of ELLs Enumerate strategies for empowering ELL parents as decision makers and advocates in their children’s education
• Share strategies parents/families can use to support language and literacy development at home

The Native American Community Services of Erie & Niagara Counties, Inc. (NACS) proudly Announces a New Series of FREE VIRTUAL Trainings in January - March 2023

*Please register for your preferred session(s), using the links provided below. Space is limited to 35 people per session, so please register early!

“Overview of Native American Cultural Competency”

This four-hour session includes deeper content of traditional Native cultures, Trauma-Informed Care, Historical Traumas, the documentary “Unseen Tears: The Impact of Residential Boarding Schools,” and strategies to move ahead.

Friday, February 17, 2023. 12:30 – 4:45 pm (w/ 15-minute break) https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwufuqtrjMsGNb1bt7mbSuVes3dCD3C2QOr

“Introduction to Native American Cultural Competency”

These one-hour sessions provide brief overviews of Native cultures, health challenges facing many communities, historical traumas, and suggestions for how to engage with Native American peoples more respectfully. All “Introduction” sessions are very similar in content. Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvd-CsrjstGdIc-4qay0D0wR473AyA7-zd Thursday, February 23, 2023, 9:30 am – 10:30 am https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvcO-uqzwjE93VZOd85a8a6OdGySNYnfm6 Monday, March 6, 2023, 12 pm – 1 pm https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vc-yhqzktHtUWGLxqfQn3RWBErpmCVvVj

OASAS Certificates of Completion will be issued for these training sessions, and participants will be asked to complete evaluation feedback surveys.

* For more information on these or other upcoming sessions and/or to request additional presentations for specific organizations & groups, please contact Pete Hill at phill@nacswny.org

This symposium will take place on Wednesday & Thursday, February 8-9, 2023 and will feature sessions throughout the day. There will be a fifteen-minute break following each session.

Each session is a separate registration link on Frontline (My Learning Plan), so be sure to check out our amazing lineup of presenters.

Questions about registration, attendance, or CTLE credit? Click here for The Mid-West RBERN's FAQ document.

When implemented with commitment to collaboration, dual language programs work—and two teachers are better than one. Leveraging the power of teacher collaboration is the key to leading all your students to multilingual identity development and language, literacy, and academic success.

This practical book adapts a widely used, evidence-based collaboration and co-teaching framework specifically for educators in dual language contexts. Features include:

• Special consideration to social justice and promoting critical consciousness
• Viable options for schools, districts, and state education agencies to effectively support and expand dual language education
• Seven proven co-teaching models, newly applied to elementary and secondary dual language environments
• Templates and tools for collaborative curriculum alignment and implementation of dual language instruction
• Authentic examples of success from collaborative dual language teams around the US and beyond

More and more schools are implementing dual language programs to serve multilingual learners. This first-of-its-kind innovative resource helps collaborating educators work together to design, deliver, and assess engaging instruction for multilingualism and multiliteracies.

Featuring illustrations by our very own Claribel González!!

Students in a third grade dual language classroom combined their writing and culinary skills to create a delicious Puerto Rican hot chocolate/chocolate caliente recipe on a cold winter day. As part of a sequencing writing activity, students put their creativity to the test by writing step-by-step instructions for making the warm and comforting beverage. The activity not only provided hands-on learning but also allowed students to enjoy the sweet rewards of their hard work. Sipping on their handmade hot chocolate, the students felt a sense of pride and accomplishment in their newfound skills. Congratulations to the talented and imaginative third-graders on a job well done! A special shout out to the innovative 3rd grade team: Linda Mauras, Elizabeth Attalah, Yolanda Baez and Erica Ruiz for making this activity such a success!

Are you wondering what makes this hot chocolate so special? Click here for the recipe and share pictures when you try it out!

Students in the WNY delegation participating in the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PRHYLI) recently had the opportunity to hear from an assembly member in their community via a virtual Zoom visit. The assembly member shared his journey in becoming Assemblymember for New York State’s 149th Assembly District as well as insight into the various community issues that impact the Hispanic community, giving the students a valuable perspective on the challenges faced by their peers and neighbors. The virtual visit provided a unique platform for students to learn about advocacy and civic engagement, and the role they can play in making a positive impact in their community. Through this interactive and educational experience, the students were inspired to get involved and make a difference. Kudos to the WNY PRHYLI team for providing opportunities that help students make a real-world connection with the issues they learn about in the classroom.