News Release: WIDA welcomes Jenni Torres as new executive director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

MADISON, Wis. – WIDA, housed in the Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER) in the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s School of Education, is excited to announce the appointment of Jenni Torres as its new executive director. Jenni will lead WIDA into the next era of innovation and educator support, following the remarkable two-decade tenure of Tim Boals, WIDA’s founding executive director.

Jenni is bilingual, has raised three bilingual children and, as a Coast Guard spouse, lived and taught around the world, including six U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Colombia. She has an EdD in educational policy and leadership and brings more than 25 years of experience in language education, a history of successful product development and a commitment to data-informed decisions that enhance outcomes for multilingual learners and their families.

“Jenni’s can do approach and passion for supporting educators and learners resonated strongly with everyone in the hiring process,” Courtney Bell, director of WCER and professor of learning sciences, said.

Selected from a national pool of distinguished candidates, Jenni was the top choice among the search committee, WIDA leadership and staff.

“We are thrilled to have Jenni lead WIDA forward,” Tim said. “Her extensive expertise, visionary leadership and dedication to multilingual learners makes her uniquely qualified to guide WIDA’s mission of supporting educational success for all students.”

Jenni steps into the role as WIDA continues to strengthen the WIDA Consortium, which has grown from three founding states to 41 states, territories and federal agencies. As she assumes her position, Tim will transition into the role of founder and senior principal investigator where he will focus on continuing to position WIDA as a leading voice in the multilingual learner research to practice space, particularly within K–12 education. Tim founded WIDA with a commitment to creating impactful language development resources for educators, which has since transformed the organization into an influential force in multilingual learner education. In this new role, he will continue to shape WIDA’s mission — providing guidance and mentorship to Jenni to ensure a smooth transition.

“Tim’s legacy and ongoing contributions are woven into the fabric of WIDA,” Jenni said. “His insight and commitment will remain invaluable as we build upon WIDA’s achievements and advance our mission in the years ahead. I can’t wait to join the folks at WIDA and get started!”

WIDA is committed to empowering educators, multilingual learners and their families, with a comprehensive approach to language development, assessment and research. As WIDA begins this new chapter, the organization’s forward-looking strategic plan, enhanced assessments and resources underscore the commitment to that mission.

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About WIDA

WIDA is an educational services organization within the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s School of Education that advances academic language development and academic achievement for multilingual children to help ensure equitable, quality education.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Hannah Haynes, hrhaynes@wisc.edu