PLCS Insights: Strengthening Partnerships for Multilingual Learners

The Hudson Valley Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network (RBERN) and the Southern Westchester BOCES School Library System proudly partnered to launch and facilitate the “Dynamic Duo” professional learning series—a unique collaboration designed to foster stronger, more intentional partnerships between ENL teachers and School Librarians across the region.

Spanning from October to June, this four-part series brought together educators from 13 dedicated districts, united in their commitment to supporting English Language and Multilingual Learners (ELLs/MLs). The initiative emphasized the power of collaboration and culturally responsive education, while grounding participants in the use of research-based instructional strategies and mutual understanding of each educator’s role.

The idea for the series grew from an initial conversation between HV RBERN and SWBOCES SLS teams. Together, they envisioned a space where cross-disciplinary teams within schools could come together to learn, reflect, plan, and ultimately take action to better support multilingual learners. Facilitated by Vanessa Gulfo and Christine Olsen, Resource Specialists at HV RBERN, alongside Anne Price-Gordon, Library Media Specialist at SWBOCES SLS, the series was designed to be practical, interactive, and outcomes-driven.

District teams engaged in a series of sessions that gradually built momentum:

• Session 1 laid the foundation, exploring the roles of ENL teachers and School Librarians and delving into cultural understanding using Edward T. Hall’s “Iceberg Model of Culture.” Teams also began developing collaborative action plans.
• Session 2 focused on refining those plans with peer and facilitator feedback.
• Session 3, held virtually, offered an opportunity to check in, ask questions, and prepare for implementation.
• Session 4 served as a celebration of the work, with districts showcasing their culminating projects.

The results were impressive. Projects included “Book Speed Dating,” “Bilingual Book Bites,” “Readers Theatre,” “Sustainability Unit Projects,” “Books, Burgers and Backpacks,” and more—creative efforts that integrated literacy, language development, and student engagement.

Participating districts included: Carmel, Chappaqua, East Ramapo, Greenburgh Central 7, Hendrick Hudson, Mount Pleasant, Onteora, Peekskill, Pocantico Hills, Port Chester-Rye, Tarrytowns, and Valhalla. Each brought a spirit of collaboration and innovation that enriched the series and contributed to its success.

We extend our deepest appreciation to the ENL teachers, School Librarians, administrators, and other stakeholders who embraced this opportunity. Your dedication to multilingual learners continues to build inclusive, supportive educational communities across our region.

As we look to the future, we are excited to continue this work—bringing educators together to build meaningful, sustainable partnerships that uplift and empower every learner.