Bridge Conference 2018

English Learners and immigrant students face many challenges as they adapt to a new culture and work to build their confidence and voices. In order to ensure that English Learners in our programs do not feel marginalized, it is imperative that we intentionally create environments that not only support English Learners in feeling confident to learn and practice English, but also encourage them to show up fully by creating a program culture that sees their home languages and cultures as assets. Additionally, in a time of when immigration policies may be inciting higher levels of discrimination and bulling of English Learners and immigrant students, it is important for staff to have the skills and strategies to appropriately address discriminatory comments and behaviors. In this interactive workshop, participants will take away practical strategies to implement in their programs in order to more thoughtfully create environments where English Learners can feel safe, empowered, and truly have a voice.