New York State Association for Bilingual Education

We are beyond excited and proud to share a huge win for bilingual education—and for the incredible community! 🎉

With your support, and the powerful advocacy of the NYSABE Advocacy Committee, Buffalo State University has been awarded $250,000 in New York State funding to launch the Bilingual Educators Pipeline Initiative. This investment is a major step forward in addressing the shortage of bilingual educators across our state.

Through this initiative, Buffalo State will collaborate with partners like City College CUNY and others to expand bilingual certification opportunities in Spanish and additional languages—helping ensure our multilingual learners have the educators they deserve.

A big congratulations to Gliset C. Morales, Ph.D., who will serve as Project Director. We’re excited for her leadership and vision to guide this work!

We also want to give a special thank you to Assembly Member Jon Rivera for helping make this initiative a reality.

👉 Be sure to check out the post below and click the link to learn more about this exciting achievement!

The City of Buffalo will receive a quarter of a million dollars to establish a bilingual educator pipeline program to help cater to the city’s diverse student population.

State assemblymember Jonathan Rivera announced Monday that the grant will help enhance a certification program at SUNY Buffalo State University by supporting tuition assistance, certification costs, technology, recruitment and staff salaries.

"This initiative recognizes a simple reality: New York's classrooms are becoming increasingly diverse, and our educator workforce must reflect and support that community," he said.

Supporters of the program are hopeful it will certify more bilingual educators who will then stay in Western New York, where their services are especially needed. More than 20% of students are multilingual learners, and Rivera said schools across the region continue to face a critical shortage of bilingual educators.

The program will help certify paraprofessionals who can assist students at schools like Lafayette International High School, where 45 countries and 30 spoken languages are represented.

“We have so many graduates here that graduate being bilingual, multilingual, many students speaking many other languages,” said John Starkey, principal of Lafayette International. “This funding can help directly support some of our teachers' aides that may be interested in pursuing a career as a bilingual teacher, and also with our graduating students when they go to our local universities here in Western New York."

Read more at the link in comments.

NYSABE’S Elections are happening now! If you are member you will receive an email from Simply Voting. We encourage you to engage with us in this process and vote!
Help us select the next generation of NYSABE Leadership!
Voting ends July 3rd.

THANK YOU! We had a powerful and insightful time today during NYSABE Advocacy Town Hall. Please stay connected for more information on all NYSABE advocacy efforts!

🌍✨ Highlighting Sandra (Sandy) McKenney & Celebrating Community Through Culture ✨🌍

We are proud to shine a spotlight on Sandra “Sandy” McKenney, whose remarkable journey across continents and careers beautifully reflects the power of multilingualism, persistence, and purpose.

Born and raised in Mexico City, Sandra began her professional career as a computer engineer, contributing to major global initiatives before following her passion into education. Her experiences living and teaching in Switzerland, along with her travels across Europe, Africa, and Asia, have deeply shaped her global perspective and commitment to culturally responsive teaching. Today, as a Bilingual Instructional Coach in the Syracuse City School District, Sandra continues to support students and educators in fostering bilingualism, biliteracy, and pride in identity. 💫

This commitment was on full display at Seymour Dual Language Academy’s “One Community, Many Cultures” celebration held on June 10, 2026. Organized by newly elected 2026-2027 Region IV delegates Rosario Anamaria and Sandra McKenney (Currently serving as the Spanish Language Delegate), alongside former delegate Gloria Kimmich, the event was a vibrant testament to the strength of community and cultural richness.

🌟 The evening featured:

* Student-led traditional dances, poetry, music, and a cultural fashion showcase
* Student-led conferences highlighting *Celebrating Biliteracy* writing units
* Classroom displays honoring the guiding principles of Dual Language Immersion
* Powerful student self-portraits reflecting identity and voice
* A joyful community gathering with families enjoying foods from around the world

Families also received information about NYSABE, further connecting this celebration to a broader movement of advocacy and support for multilingual learners.

Events like this remind us that when educators like Sandra lead with vision and heart, schools become spaces where language, culture, and identity are not only honored—but celebrated. 💙

👏 Thank you, Sandra, for your leadership, your journey, and your unwavering commitment to our students and communities!

Dear NYSABE Members,

The NYSABE Advocacy Committee invites you to an important Town Hall Meeting this Monday, June 15th 6-7 pm. We are excited to share with you the exciting news of several recent advocacy wins (let’s celebrate our hard work! 🎉), and then we invite you to participate in setting NYSABE’s Advocacy Agenda for the 2026-2027 academic year.

NYSABE Advocacy Committee Town Hall
June 15, 2025
6-7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81991928957?pwd=UgonagtHrs5i7NjOv67t4BwqCUBFbE.1

Meeting ID: 819 9192 8957
Passcode: 694241

Please join us for this important meeting!
Best wishes,
NYSABE Advocacy Committee

🌟 Spotlight on Leadership: Judith Ravina Sanchez, NYSABE Region 3 Delegate 🌟

We are proud to continue celebrating the work and ongoing contributions of our Delegates! Today, we are proud to highlight Judith Ravina as a dedicated and inspiring leader and Regional Delegate representing Region 3 for NYSABE!

With 18 years of unwavering commitment to bilingual education, Judy’s journey began as a first-grade bilingual teacher before evolving into a Dual Language Instructional Coach and now serving as the Director of Multilingual Programs for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns. Her work reflects a powerful blend of research, practice, and advocacy on behalf of multilingual learners, educators, and families.

Judy is widely recognized for bridging theory and practice, and for elevating the conversation around biliteracy. She has shared her expertise at both national and state conferences, including NCTE and NYSABE. Among her many accomplishments, she led the expansion of a Dual Language program in Mamaroneck from elementary into the secondary level—creating one of the few model secondary programs in Westchester County.

Her leadership is rooted in collaboration, equity, and culturally responsive practices. Whether partnering with educators or engaging families, Judy works tirelessly to ensure meaningful access and success for all students.

Most recently, on May 9th, Judy supported the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns’ 2nd Annual Latino Parent Leadership Conference—bringing together over 80 participants from Tarrytown, Ossining, and Peekskill. The event featured dynamic workshops led by parents, community partners, and staff, an inspiring keynote by Dr. Elaine Ruiz Lopez, and outstanding student performances by the dance team and jazz band.

👏 Thank you, Judy, for your leadership, vision, and continued advocacy for multilingual communities! We are so glad you are part of the NYSABE Region 3 Mid-Hudson Team!