Nuestra Maestras Bilingües Brillan | Our Bilingual Teachers Shine

April is National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month.

Teachers face many daily challenges, and when you add language barriers to the mix, the task can be more complex. That’s precisely why the Albuquerque Public Schools Language and Cultural Equity department launched a new recognition program called “Bright Spots.” The new initiative is designed to celebrate the highly-specialized group of Albuquerque Public Schools dual language and English Language Development teachers who provide outstanding support and enthusiasm for students who come to class eager to master not one but two languages.

Nineteen percent of the district’s total student population receives alternative language services. Bright Spots is intended to identify and recognize teachers using best practices with English Learners in all core areas of learning. 

Nominations for Bright Spot teachers are made by site administrators. A team of peer LCE experts visits the classrooms of the nominees to see first-hand what kind of exemplary and transformative work is being done with English Learners. State testing scores from ACCESS  and NM-MSSA are also reviewed to create a comprehensive picture of teaching and learning in the nominees' classrooms. When complete, the classroom observations provide a clear picture of how the classroom environment, tools, strategies, and ideas come together to enhance the academic educational experience of the students.

“Research shows that collective teacher efficacy has a high impact on student achievement,” said Emily Key, director of English Language Programs. “We are confident our students will be the true beneficiaries if we successfully identify, share, and celebrate those practices that  are positively moving the academic needle.”

In its inaugural year, 15 teachers are being recognized. Moving ahead, the LCE department hopes to build a database of mentor environments, strategies, and best practices from which others can grow and learn. 

Each Bright Spots recipient will be awarded a plaque and featured in APS publications and our digital billboards across the city.