Past Engagements

Professional Development for School Districts

Empowering Educators: A Comprehensive 10-Hour Journey to Enhance English Learner Engagement

This professional development program was delivered across various districts, structured into stand-alone yet interrelated modules. Each module, lasting 2.5 hours, contributed to a comprehensive total of 10 hours of instruction. The program equipped educators with best practices for supporting English Learners, focusing on curriculum modifications and instructional strategies to foster greater engagement. The modules covered key areas:

• Laying the Foundation: Debunking the Myths about English Learners
• Making Content (Input) Comprehensible
• Engaging the English Learners: Creating Opportunities for Interaction
• Sheltered Instruction: Putting it All Together

Through this training, teachers gained valuable insights and practical tools to enhance their instructional approach and effectively support English Learners in their classrooms.

CABBE (Connecticut Association of Biliteracy and Bicultural Education) 

Presentation Spotlight: “Learning to Live With the Dilemma of Difference”

In collaboration with the Connecticut Association of Biliteracy and Bicultural Education (CABBE), a workshop titled “Learning to Live With the Dilemma of Difference” was conducted. This session focused on the unique experiences of bilingual and multicultural learners, underscoring the importance of fostering understanding and support within educational environments.

Educators participating in the workshop gained valuable insights into the challenges and strengths of multilingual students, promoting an atmosphere of inclusivity and empathy. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance educational practices and cultivate a more supportive and equitable learning environment for all students.

ConnTESOLs 53rd Annual Conference

Title: Bridging Cultures: Strengthening School – Community Connections for Multilingual Success “

Experience the transformative power of community engagement at ConnTESOL’s 53rd Annual Conference, themed “Celebrating the Languages, Knowledge, and Stories of Multilingual Learners.” Join Marcelo Sousa, a distinguished educator celebrated for his successful integration of parents and community members into school programs for English language learners.

In his workshop, “Linking the School and the Community in the 21st Century,” Marcelo will present compelling success stories, practical strategies, and complimentary tools designed for educators and administrators. Discover how Marcelo’s collaborations with community-based organizations have yielded significant benefits for students, their families, schools, and the broader community. This is an invaluable opportunity to enhance your school’s community connections and foster a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.

CALAS 2024 (The Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents) 

Bridging the Gap: Advancing Equitable Practices for ELL Students in Special Education

Part of the conference theme, “Advancing Multilingual Education: Illuminating the Linguistic and Cultural Assets of English Learners/Multilingual Learners (ELs/MLs),” this presentation delves into the crucial intersection of English Language Learners (ELL) and special education—a vital yet often under-researched area. With a 30% increase in Connecticut’s ELL population over the past five years, it is imperative for educators to accurately differentiate between language acquisition challenges and disabilities.

Participants will be introduced to “The Critical Data Process,” designed to enhance equitable, culturally responsive practices and evaluations. By revisiting and refining our methods for assessing ELL students’ eligibility for special education, we aim to develop systems that are both equitable and culturally sustaining, truly reflecting the diverse needs of our student population.

In collaboration with author Steve Gill, efforts are underway to build awareness and drive change, starting in Connecticut, to address this much-needed area. This presentation is intended to be a catalyst for transformative change, fostering equity-centered leadership and practices within educational institutions. Stay tuned for future trainings and resources developed by Marcelo and Steve Gill, designed to further advance this critical area of focus.

MABEs Multistate Association for Bilingual Education 50th Birthday Celebration

Special Guest & Featured Author

“Celebrating Milestones: Honoring Dr. Gladys Labas at MABE’s 50th Birthday”

Gathering at MABE’s 50th Birthday Celebration was a truly inspiring experience, filled with warmth, camaraderie, and a shared dedication to the future of bilingual education. The highlight of the event was the honor of acknowledging Dr. Gladys Labas, whose visionary leadership and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on our community. Her work has been a guiding light, much like the dawn that breaks the night’s silence, ushering in new possibilities and hope.

Being in the presence of so many passionate educators and advocates was invigorating as we celebrated not only our past achievements but also our shared vision for the future. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm and mutual respect as stories and experiences were shared, each one a testament to the impact of dedicated individuals like Dr. Labas.

Adding to the joy of the celebration was the opportunity to share my poem, A New Dawn. It was a profound honor to present it at such a momentous occasion, weaving together the themes of renewal and hope with the collective mission we hold dear. This celebration was more than a milestone; it was a reaffirmation of our collective mission and a heartfelt tribute to those, like Dr. Labas, who have paved the way for progress and innovation in bilingual education. It was a joy and privilege to be part of such a significant event, where each moment was steeped in gratitude and inspiration.

CABBE’s Virtual Conference – Biliteracy & Beyond

Proudly Organized This Event to Bring Educators Together in Advancing Biliteracy and Bicultural Education

On February 8th, 2025, CABBE hosted its highly anticipated virtual conference, Biliteracy & Beyond, bringing together educators, administrators, and advocates passionate about biliteracy and bicultural education. This half-day event, featured dynamic workshops and discussions on topics such as culturally responsive teaching, digital tools for second-language learners, assessment strategies, and building community partnerships.

Attendees were inspired by the keynote address from Hilda Santiago, a distinguished member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, who shared her invaluable insights on education and policy. The event provided a platform for collaboration, innovation, and professional growth, with participants leaving equipped with new strategies to support bilingual and multilingual learners.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to make this event an incredible success! Stay tuned for future opportunities to connect, learn, and grow with CABBE.

2025 Dual Language Bilingual Education Conference

Presentation Spotlight: “Empowering Bilingual Learners with Ethical AI: Personalized, Efficient, and Responsible Teaching in the Digital Age”

At the Dual Language Bilingual Education Annual Conference hosted by the Multistate Association for Bilingual Education-Northeast (MABE), I had the honor of presenting an exciting and forward-thinking session titled “Transforming English Language Learning with Artificial Intelligence (AI).” This in-person event, held on March 8, 2025, at the UMass Amherst Center in Springfield, MA, brought together educators passionate about innovative practices in bilingual and dual-language education.

My session explored how AI can revolutionize English language learning by creating personalized, efficient, and engaging teaching experiences. I shared practical strategies for educators to integrate AI tools into their classrooms while promoting the ethical and responsible use of technology. Together, we discussed how to train students to think critically and act responsibly in today’s digital age.

A major focus of the presentation was how AI can enhance dual-language education by supporting bilingualism, biliteracy, and academic achievement. Attendees walked away with actionable steps to implement AI-driven tools in culturally responsive and equitable ways, ensuring an inclusive and meaningful learning experience for all students.

It was an incredible opportunity to inspire and empower fellow educators with cutting-edge strategies that reimagine how we approach language learning. Stay tuned for future sessions where we’ll continue exploring how to harness technology to support bilingual learners and foster educational equity!