Monthly Archives: July 2020

Support J-1 and H1-B Visas for High Need Teachers

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Sign on to this letter to support language teachers!

We the Language Opportunity Coalition and Portuguese Educator Pipeline and Resources Group share urgent concerns about the Executive Order and suspension of J-1 and H1-B visas for high need teachers in our K-12 and Higher Education world language and bilingual programs.

We believe without an exemption for these educators who hold deep linguistic knowledge and skill in time of a teacher shortage, that this Executive Order will negatively impact our most vulnerable students, furthering inequities, and potentially non-compliance with Massachusetts General Law Part 1 Title XII, Chapter 71A. 

Read the letter on J1-H1B Visa Issues

We ask you to join us in signing your support, no later than Friday July 20, 2020 at 12 Noon at the link here.  Individuals or organizations may sign on.

Please disseminate widely!

Congratulations 2020 MATSOL Award Recipients!

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Anne Dow Award for Excellence & Creativity: Sandra Cunha

Given annually to a professional who has made outstanding efforts that reflect enthusiasm and creative, energetic, independent thinking. The 2020 award was give for leading collaboration to support the education of English Learners. The award is supported by the Anne Dow Family Foundation. Sandra is the EL Coordinator at Global Learning Charter Public School in New Bedford, MA.

Linda Schulman Innovation Grants

$500-$1,000 grants for pedagogical projects that promote English language learning and embody a spirit of creativity, sensitivity and community and benefit English language learners by improving their language competency or increasing their understanding of American culture. 

  • Amy Ostroff, Baker School, Brookline. Project Title “The Baker Arboretum”
  • Karen Malley, Federal Street Elementary School, Greenfield. Project Title: “Reviving a Community Garden in our Own Backyard”
  • Christi Cartwright, International High School, Lawrence
  • Jen Noorjanian, Woodland Elementary School, Mildford. Project Title: “Project WEAVE:  Welcome and Engage to support Adjustment Via Education” 
  • Megan Gabellieri, Woodland Elementary School, Milford. Project Title: “Mindful Practice for ELs”