What people are saying.

“I would absolutely recommend this training to others. What stood out was the fact that we weren't just given a packet of tools and told "good luck" - we actually practiced using all of our different tools and strategies so that we could see how they'd look in a classroom setting before implementing them in our own”

- 4th Grade Teacher

“I really liked how engaging and informative the course was. I also really liked all the tools and strategies we get that we can use right away in our classrooms. I would recommend this training because it is very helpful, engaging, and informative. You walk away with so much knowledge about CLD needs and a plethora of tools to use with CLD learners. This training stands out because it was not a "sit and get." It was very engaging. It was also very compelling - it motivates you to want to do better for CLD learners and families.”

-K-5 SpEd Teacher

“I appreciated very much learning in-person and the variety and quantity of content we covered. I liked that we used the strategies and didn't simply have them explained to us. I also appreciated how the common thread on each of the slides was "what resonated with you most". The way it was framed helped me to reflect more on my own practices rather than respond in a very factual or surface level manner. I would recommend this training to others because all the information is very practical and useful, as well as what is considered good teaching. This training stands out from other trainings because the "why" and the "how" were always at the forefront. It wasn't just a training of do this, but rather here's why and here's how. We were guided through the learning and were encouraged always to bring it back to "now, how can you apply this learning"

-k-5 CLDE Teacher

“RISE PD has changed my perspective as an administrator and really opened my eyes to making sure we are constantly obsessing about how to have high expectations and high supports for students and their families. I believe this training really focused on how we can improve the conditions of learning through a whole-child lens and gave in the moment tools for teachers to apply right away. I'm so grateful”

-Elementary School Principal

“I would absolutely recommend this training to others, and honestly, I wish it was a requirement so that we would all be on the same page with our understanding and approach to supporting our ELs. The thing that made this training stand out from other trainings was the fact that there were so many strategies and supports given to us that we can easily integrate into our classrooms to reach all levels of language proficiency. During our sessions, we were able to actively use these strategies to make meaning and understand when and how to use them best. Typically, trainings teach you the ideas, but don't give the tools. Thank you for an abundant toolbox!!”

-3rd Grade Teacher

“I was extremely touched by your presentation. As a child in the 70s I watched my brother suffer from significant discrimination as he was born with spina bifida and as I grew older I was made aware of the struggles my mom and dad went through to see that my brother was able to receive a public school education. Additionally, as a parent to three ELLs children and one that is on the spectrum, your points very much resonated with me regarding the need to properly designate and understand the relationship between services, ELL and SPED.

Again, thank you so much for your presentation as it was not only very useful but also very motivational.”

— University of Southern California Teacher Prep Student

“Through a deeper understanding of strategies to build the vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills of ELL students I am hopeful that I will be a better, more thoughtful, teacher for all students.”

— SpEd Teacher

“With this experience and the new learning from this training I look forward to increasing the language acquisition and usage of all my student.”

— High School Teacher

“Through this professional development course, I have changed the lens I use to look at curriculum and my own instructional strategies.”

-SPED Teacher

“The information learned will absolutely change my teaching practice.”

-Middle School Teacher

“This training opened my eyes to how to use the strategies that I am already familiar with in the context of language acquisition.”

-Elementary School Teacher

“My key take away is that these strategies are all things that are best for all learners - it is not in addition to things I am already doing in my classroom. I would recommend this training to others because all educators should have these tools to use in their classrooms - all schools have the need for it. This training stood out because it incorporated hands-on learning, strategies with practice, and the research to back it all up. (And the trainer was personable and fun to learn from)”

-k-5 Teacher