The Advancing Language and Literacy for English Learners (ALL4ELs) Summer Symposium is a Siena University research and development initiative funded by the National Professional Development program. Held annually, the symposium highlights evidence-based literacy strategies and culturally responsive practices designed to support English Language Learners (ELLs). Participants engage in , collaborative sessions, and interactive discussions that emphasize practical approaches for fostering language-rich, inclusive educational environments.
This year’s symposium featured renowned experts Dr. Aída Walqui and Dr. Nonie Lesaux.
*Dr. Walqui, a distinguished senior research scientist specializing in English learner education, was recently recognized as one of the 50 most influential researchers in English language teaching over the past 50 years.
*Dr. Lesaux, Dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education and author of NYSED’s Advanced Literacies for Academic Success Framework, has significantly shaped how educators and policymakers support diverse learners, particularly in the areas of early childhood and literacy education.
Several Port Chester educators shared their expertise by presenting their own work at the symposium, demonstrating how they are applying research and frameworks from Drs. Walqui and Lesaux in their classrooms and programs:
*Kim Fusco, PCMS English Teacher – Implementing the Knowledge Building Instructional Cycle in the Middle School ELA Content Area
*Lisa Cavallero, MLL Instructional Coach – Creating a Knowledge Building Cycle
Valerie Lakestream, Director of ELL & Bilingual Programs – Creating Curriculum for Stand Alone K–12
In addition, Port Chester High School Assistant Principal Timothy Harnett and teachers Jody Sainvil, Awilda Tufuoh, Michael Spruck, and Emily Maldonado attended the symposium, furthering their professional growth and bringing valuable insights back to the district.
Looking Ahead: NYS TESOL Conference Acceptance
We are also proud to announce that Port Chester professionals have been accepted to present at the 2025 New York State Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Conference this November.
The first accepted proposal, Prioritizing Stand-Alone ENL Curriculum: One District’s Story, will feature a panel of ENL teachers Kristin Zaccari, Elizabeth Bickard, Idia Saldana, Marilyn DiDomizio, Brian Knudsen, and Melody Rivera; MLL Instructional Coaches Viviana Arredondo and Lisa Cavallero; and Director of ELL & Bilingual Programs Valerie Lakestream. This panel will highlight the district’s significant redesign of its K–12 ENL stand-alone curriculum over the past two years. Moving away from isolated language instruction, Port Chester has adopted an integrated, content-rich approach grounded in NYSED’s Advanced Literacies for Academic Success Framework. By aligning to grade-level standards and shifting from basic skills to critical thinking and analysis, the district has strengthened academic progress and engagement among ENL students.
Additionally, MLL Instructional Coaches Viviana Arredondo and Lisa Cavallero will lead a workshop titled Empowering Multilingual Learners: Strategies for Effective Scaffolding, Integration, and Curriculum Mapping. This workshop will showcase how ongoing instructional coaching cycles—incorporating co-planning, observation, and feedback—foster reflection, collaboration, and sustainable growth in MLL pedagogy.
By sharing their expertise and innovations on regional and state stages, our educators are strengthening practices within the district while helping to shape the future of equitable, high-quality instruction for multilingual learners across New York State and beyond.