Increasing the number of culturally proficient multilingual educators is a topic of high interest among educators and policymakers who advocate for multilingual students. One promising practice is Grow-Your-Own programs, where multilingual paraeducators are supported in pathways to teacher licensure. 

To highlight the promise of these programs, CAL is seeking individuals with personal experience as multilingual paraprofessionals who have participated in teacher education programs. We are requesting participation in a short online interview to be shared via CAL’s networks, including our website, emails, and social media outlets. The purpose of the video will be to highlight the benefits of paraeducator pathway programs for policymakers and educational decision-makers. 

If this sounds like you, please email Elizabeth Llorca at ellorca.intern@cal.org by May 12, 2024, with your resume showing your experience as a multilingual paraprofessional who transitioned to the role of a teacher. Your journey and expertise in this area can provide invaluable guidance to aspiring educators and the policymakers who support their professional growth. 

Interviews will be conducted remotely at a time that is convenient for you and will last approximately one hour. We will ask you about challenges, opportunities, advice, and tips related to your journey from paraeducator to teacher. Your participation in this interview would be valuable to our organization and to educators and education stakeholders worldwide who are eager to learn from your experiences. 

Participants will receive an honorarium in the amount of $150. Applications will be accepted through May 12, 2024.