Language & Cultural Services
LCS Bulletin - August 14, 2017
Welcome Back!
Our Language and Cultural Services team has expanded. We want to extend a special welcome to the Indian Education team, Immersion team, and World Languages team as they join the English Language Development team and Dual Language team as part of our larger Language and Cultural Services department. We are looking forward to being learners, designers, and contributors together to provide students with culturally and linguistically diverse learning experiences.
Below we are introducing our leadership team from the English Language Development team and the Language and Cultural Services team. Next week we'll have introductions from our Indian Education team and Dual Language, Immersion, and World Languages team.
Sabina Gonzales
ELD Coordinator
Network 1
Hola! My name is Sabina Gonzales and will be the ELD Coordinator for Network 1. I’m from Olathe Kansas and have been in education for 30 plus years. I graduated from K-State with a Master in Curriculum Instruction and ESL endorsement. I have my administration degree and currently have completed all my courses in the doctorate program at K-State. I am super excited to be part of the Language and Cultural Team this year.
Jennifer Goodlow
ELD Coordinator
Network 2
My name is Jennifer Goodlow and I am a new Elementary ELD Coordinator for Tulsa Public Schools. I have worked in education for 9 years, and I am so excited to embark on this new journey in my career and life. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Leadership. Most importantly, I am a proud mother of a vibrant 5 year old who keeps me on my toes.
Tetyana Roger
ELD Coordinator
Network 3
I began my career with TPS as an elementary teacher in 2002 and have been serving as an ELD Coordinator since 2010. I am fluent in the Russian and Ukrainian languages and culture. I share my passion for learning languages when working with educators, diverse learners, and immigrant families. I love art, music, and travel.
Van Meade
ELD Coordinator
Network 4
I joined TPS as an ELD coordinator in 2010. My passion is helping all English learners to cultivate and be successful in a diverse community. I enjoy cooking international foods with my family, especially making sushi rolls. I speak fluently in Vietnamese.
Kimberly Jordan
ELD Coordinator
Network 5
My name is Kimberly Jordan and I’ve been in education for 16 years. My masters degree is from the University of Texas at Arlington and my undergrad from Brigham Young University. I love traveling, reading, and watching good movies; I also love good food. I have two cats and a dog and am blessed to have two sisters and 12 nieces and nephews. I’m new to TPS and am excited to serve as one of the English Language Development Coordinators within the district.
Elizabeth Benavides
ELD Coordinator
Network 6
My name is Elizabeth Benavides. I have been in education for 13 years and I am very excited to be joining Tulsa Public Schools. I hope to be able to serve Tulsa families using both my personal and professional experiences.
Stephanie Cagle
ELD Coordinator
Network 7
I have worked in my position since 2011 and currently serve Stacey Vinson’s network. I am passionate about education, social justice, writing to empower student voice, and the University of Oklahoma. I am excited to work with teachers and administrators to improve achievement for English Learners and help students reach their academic potential.
Maricarmen Mitchell
Community Liaison
My name is Maricarmen Mitchell, and I am very excited by the opportunity to work for Tulsa Public Schools as the Community Liaison! I am from Lima, Peru and have lived in the United States since 2002. Since 2008, I have been involved in the Hispanic community of Tulsa. I worked as a reporter for the local Spanish news station, Teletul Noticias and I also for CAP Tulsa as the bilingual recruitment coordinator. My background and focus on Hispanic community outreach has allowed me to be involved in community leadership roles as Vice-President of the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations and as a member of the Crime Prevention and Safety Network. I look forward to working with you to better serve the families in the district!
Zaida Kepford
District Language Interpreter
I am a translation veteran with over 20 years of experience who has been certified both in Mexico and the U.S. I do oral interpretation and written translation for the District and provides training and testing for bilingual employees, volunteers and vendors. I also teach Spanish for educators and provide cultural competency training and translation and interpretation training for Special Education matters.
Ada Harwood
District Language Interpreter
Joining our team August 23rd. Intro coming soon!
Linda Alcocer-Avila
Data Clerk
I am the Data Clerk for the Language and Cultural Services department for Tulsa Public Schools. I have been serving in my position since 2016. I currently assist with the school district’s Home Language Surveys and EL records. I provide help to coordinators supporting ELD teachers and am happy to be part of a team who specializes in helping students strive to succeed in school.
Laura Grisso
Executive Director of Language and Cultural Services
I have been fortunate to work with English learner and immigrant students for the past 18 years. I have been serving this culturally and linguistically diverse population in Tulsa Public Schools since 2011. I am passionate about social justice and working collaboratively to ensure educational equity for diverse student groups. I believe that all students bring unique talents and perspectives to the learning experience. Language and culture are keys to the core of who we are and must be valued. I look forward to working with you this year!
Oklahoma Association for Bilingual Education 2017 Conference - Registration Extended
The extended deadline for registration is August 25th. If you would like to attend, the office of Language and Cultural Services will provide funds for registration, mileage, and toll. If you would like to register to attend, please submit a completed registration form and PS10 to the office of Language and Cultural Services at the Enrollment Center by August 25th.
OABE is also accepting proposal submissions and nominations for OABE board officers.
Please email Laura Grisso with any related questions.
We want to connect with you!
Connect with us on social media:
Facebook...TPS Language & Cultural Services...@tpsmultilingual
Twitter...TPSLanguage&Cultural...@tpsmultilingual
Language & Cultural Services Events
Week of August 14:
English Language Development
Teacher Institute, Wilson Teaching and Learning Academy
August 16-17, 8:00am to 3:30pm
Dual Language and Language Immersion
Teacher Institute, Eisenhower International Elementary School
August 16-17, 8:00am to 3:30pm
Indian Education
Teacher Institute, Indian Education office
August 16-17, 8:30am to 3:00pm
World Languages
Teacher Institute, Eisenhower International Elementary School
August 17, 8:00am to 11:00am