Lucia Morales
Lucia began her teaching career as a general education classroom teacher, but as a second language learner herself, she became very passionate about bilingual education and the opportunities for children who speak languages other than English. In seeking more equitable educational opportunities for this group of learners, Lucia co-organized a new bilingual program at her first school assignment and then later contributed to the development and implementation of a new dual language program in her district.
During her work as an educational consultant, she was instrumental in co-developing Dual U, a comprehensive online dual language teacher-training curriculum. As a consultant, she provided many educators with knowledge and skills to navigate a multilingual, multicultural teaching environment.
Always motivated to keep abreast of best practice, Lucia returned to the “trenches” to have direct contact with students through instruction and to work with other teachers in her district as an instructional mentor and coach. Currently, Lucia is a 3rd/4th grade dual language teacher and a valued member of the Paridad team.
Inspiration
Expertise
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Biliteracy
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Dual Language
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Instructional Coaching
Experience
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Teacher, dual language, English & Spanish
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Instructional Coach, bilingual, ESL, grades K-8
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Presenter, facilitator, and consultant
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Teacher, general education, bilingual
Education
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M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, National Louis University, 2003
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B.S., Elementary Education and Spanish, Miami University, 1994
Publications
English Language Learners at School: A Guide for Administrators
A popular book, in its second edition, serves as a quick reference for administrators, teachers, and leadership teams, a wellspring of ideas from 71 experts for program development and improvement, and a framework for pre-service or in-service professional learning. Lucia was invited to write about appropriate instructional materials for ELLs.
Hamayn, E. & Freeman Field, R. (Eds.). (2012, 2006). English language learners at school: A guide for administrators. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, Inc.
SLIFE: Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education
A WIDA Focus Bulletin designed to provide technical assistance to educators working with refugees, students with limited or interrupted formal education, or the recent influx of unaccompanied minors from Central America.
WIDA Focus on SLIFE: Students with limited or interrupted formal education. (2015, May). WIDA Focus Bulletin. Retrieved from https://www.wida.us/professionaldev/educatorresources/focus.aspx
DUAL U – Dual Language Teacher Training Curriculum (2004)
An eight-module curriculum designed to assist elementary and secondary teachers and administrators in developing, implementing, and assessing dual language programs.
