New York City recently saw an influx of migrant students numbering in the thousands, which has heightened the urgent need for effective Multilingual Learner programming. We at New Visions have taken a significant step by providing a groundbreaking program – Building Secondary Educator and Administrator Leadership (B-SEAL) for Multilingual Learners. This program, now in its third year, aims to empower educators and school leaders to create inclusive learning environments that support the unique needs of multilingual learners. B-SEAL is a reflection of New Visions’ commitment to fostering educational equity and transforming education for all students.

Key Components of the B-SEAL Program:

1. 
   Free Access to High-Quality Resources: B-SEAL is free for all participants thanks to federal funding. The program provides them with a wealth of resources, including research-based instructional strategies and an aligned literacy assessment tailored for multilingual learners. These resources are curated to address the unique linguistic and academic needs of multilingual students, ensuring that educators have the tools they need to create engaging and effective learning experiences.
   
    


2. 
   Customized Professional Development: Participants select one of two pathways for credentialing. (They can receive either a TESOL certificate or a Bilingual Extension.) They are provided with coursework, professional development, and job-embedded coaching that aligns with their pathway. Each teacher receives individualized coaching monthly for one school year, which includes one classroom observation and a debrief.  This personalized approach enables educators to directly apply their learning to their classrooms.
   
    


3. 
   Community Building & Networking: B-SEAL facilitates a strong community among educators and school leaders by dedicating time and space for  discussions, the sharing of best practices, and learning from one another’s direct experiences in professional learning communities. This collaborative environment fosters a supportive network that extends beyond the duration of the program.
   
    


4. 
   Focus on Culturally Responsive Teaching: Participants learn how to draw from students’ cultural backgrounds and experiences in order to make learning more relevant and engaging. This approach not only supports academic excellence, but also fosters a sense of belonging among multilingual learners.
   
    


5. 
   Ongoing Support & Mentoring: B-SEAL provides ongoing support and mentoring to participants, ensuring that they continue to grow as effective leaders and educators. This sustained support is crucial for the long-term success of initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes for multilingual learners.