Award-winning educator and multilingual advocate, Marcelo Sousa empowers English Learners and celebrates culture through education, storytelling, and the arts.
Marcelo Sousa is an award-winning educator and a passionate advocate for multilingual learners and equality in public education, with almost two decades of experience as a writer, educator, singer, and coach.
Originally from Brazil and now a longstanding U.S. citizen, Marcelo is fluent in multiple languages. He holds a bachelor’s degree in History and Elementary Education from Kean University, as well as a graduate degree in TESOL/Bilingual Education and a Sixth-Year degree in Educational Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University.
Renowned for his expertise in designing and implementing programs that empower English Learners (ELs), Marcelo collaborates with author Steve Gill to expand the transformative ELL Critical Data Process in Connecticut. This approach distinguishes between language acquisition and special education needs, ensuring that its principles and strategies are accessible to educators and administrators across the state.
As a dedicated member of The SLIFE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education) Group in Connecticut, Marcelo works within LEARN (Regional Educational Service Center) to support students whose education has been disrupted by migration, conflict, or other challenges. His work focuses on creating pathways to success for these students, ensuring they have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Marcelo’s professional journey reflects his wholehearted commitment to elevating student achievement, empowering educators, and engaging families.
From leading after-school programs for international new arrivals to organizing vibrant international family nights, Marcelo continuously strengthens community bonds and celebrates cultural diversity. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, he builds meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues, ensuring that language serves as a bridge to understanding and opportunity.
As an advocate for professional growth, Marcelo has delivered comprehensive training programs for educators, equipping them with the tools to implement effective EL-modified lessons across all grade levels. He integrates innovative technologies, such as AI-powered platforms and adaptive learning tools, to enhance instruction and personalize learning experiences.
Marcelo’s ability to align emerging trends in education with practical implementation has made him a sought-after leader and collaborator in the field.
Marcelo’s leadership extends beyond the classroom through his involvement with several influential organizations. He serves as Vice Chairperson for the Connecticut Association of Biliteracy and Bicultural Education (CABBE) and as a board member and Events Liaison for the Connecticut Administrators of Programs for English Language Learners (CAPELL). He also collaborates with the Connecticut Council of Language Teachers (CTCOLT).
In these roles, Marcelo facilitates dialogue, organizes professional learning opportunities, and coordinates events aimed at promoting equity and innovation in bilingual education. His work has been recognized at national conferences and in publications, highlighting his unwavering dedication to advancing excellence in education.
In 2025, Marcelo was honored with the Exceptional Educator Award by the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CALAS).
This prestigious recognition celebrates his tireless advocacy for multilingual learners and their families, as well as his outstanding contributions to equitable education.
His leadership also extends to the Graduate and Professional Studies Advisory Board at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), where he provides critical feedback on strategic planning documents and initiatives to improve graduate education.
Having a commanding stage presence is a remarkable talent that not everyone possesses; it is the ability to captivate an audience through powerful storytelling. Marcelo exemplifies this skill with ease, seamlessly blending his passion for education and the arts. Beyond his work in education, Marcelo is a multi-talented creative professional with a dynamic career in musical theater.
As a distinguished performer and director, he has graced stages in productions such as Titanic: The Musical and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Marcelo has also directed acclaimed productions, including Once on This Island, showcasing his storytelling and leadership talents.
He has performed at prestigious venues like Steinway Hall and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, broadcast live on NBC, captivating audiences with his powerful vocal performances.
His passion for the arts extends to theater workshops for students, where he teaches the impact of music, stage design, and performance, culminating in inspiring trips to Broadway that provide transformative experiences for young aspiring artists.
Marcelo is also an accomplished author. His memoir, The Boy From Brazil, published in both English and Portuguese, offers a heartfelt glimpse into his life journey and the experiences that have shaped his unique perspective.Through this book, Marcelo inspires readers by sharing his story of perseverance, transformation, and dedication to making a difference.
Beyond the stage, Marcelo has performed with various choruses throughout Connecticut and served on the board of directors for the New Haven Community Chorus and Chamber Choir, contributing as a concert series facilities organizer.
This role underscores his dedication to fostering a vibrant community of music and the arts. Marcelo has also channeled his passion for the dramatic arts into theater workshops within educational settings, focusing on the impact of music on monologues, understanding lighting and costume design, and creating and analyzing playbills. These workshops culminate in inspiring trips to New York City to experience Broadway shows, offering children the transformative experience of witnessing live theater.
Further enriching his musical expertise, Marcelo has undergone four years of vocal performance training under Leslie Giammanco at Giammanco Vocal Studios in NYC, honing a powerful and expressive voice that enhances every performance.
Marcelo’s vision is rooted in fostering relationships, advocating for equity, and inspiring innovation. He believes that empowering students, educators, and families unlocks the potential of multilingual learners and enriches the communities they serve. His ability to integrate creativity, leadership, and a commitment to equity makes Marcelo a transformative force in education and beyond.
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