08/15/2026
This is such a huge loss for our field.  if you have my Boosting Achievement book, you will find a picture of Michelle on the back cover. That was in my classroom before I ever worked for our company. She taught me how to work with newcomers. But she taught me so much more than that. If you had a chance to know her, I’m so so sorry. I know it’s a devastating loss.  I know her impact will continue to grow… Just like the memories we have of her will continue to grow in our hearts. Please help us pray for her family.
We are devastated to share that our dear friend and colleague, Michelle Yzquierdo, passed away on August 10th after a tragic car accident.
Our hearts are shattered, and our prayers are with her two boys Kai and Karsten, her dear husband Carlos, and countless loving family members and friends across the nation. She will always be remembered for her dynamic personality and presentations, her infectious humor, and her deep love for the immigrant community and multilingual learners.
Michelle’s lifelong dedication to serving newcomer students led to her doctoral work and the subsequent publication of Pathways to Greatness for ELL Newcomers: A Comprehensive Guide for Schools and Teachers.
She will be so deeply missed, and we hope to carry her legacy forward in our profound commitment to multilingual education.
