WIDA announces 2025–2026 WIDA Fellows cohort

Returning WIDA Fellow Instructional Experts

Yulia Akulshina-Prys

Yulia has been an English language development teacher in Hamtramck, Michigan, since 2016. Bilingual and multilingual learning have been integral parts of Yulia's life for the last 30 years. Yulia holds a B.A. in English Language and Literature and an M.A. in English and German Language and Literature from Donetsk National University, Ukraine. Born and raised in Ukraine, where Russian was her primary language and Ukrainian her secondary language, she began learning English at the age of 10. She also earned an Ed Specialist degree in Reading with a concentration in English Language Development from Wayne State University. In 2019, Yulia received the Outstanding Educator of the Year Award from Saginaw Valley State University.

Shane Koch

Shane is a bilingual teacher with Chicago Public Schools. He holds a B.A. from the University of Minnesota and an M.A. in English as a Second Language (ESL) from Hamline University. Shane spent five years teaching in international schools in Bahrain, Cambodia and Malaysia before returning to Chicago in 2021. He has taught various elementary grades as both a general and bilingual education teacher, always working with English learners. Inside the classroom, he strives to create a safe space where learners of all types feel comfortable taking risks. Much of Shane’s work outside of the classroom centers around advocacy for multilingual-learner students and their families, as well as public education in general.

Natalie Lau-Chien

Natalie is a K–12 English for Speakers of Other Languages teacher across five schools in Amherst and Mont Vernon, New Hampshire. Raised in Hawai'i, she earned a B.A. in Race & Ethnic Studies with a focus on multicultural education. After earning an M.A. in education, she began teaching social studies, driven by her passion for social justice. Later, as a sheltered English immersion teacher, Natalie found an even greater joy in working with multilingual-learner students, acting as a bridge and advocate who helps her students adapt to a new country, culture and language, while also encouraging them to maintain their native languages, cultures and customs. Her experience also includes teaching preschoolers/adults in ESL/Mandarin and facilitating professional development in sheltering instruction for multilingual learners.

Feras Majeed

Feras currently teaches and facilitates EL English at Downers Grove North High School in Illinois. He has over 12 years of experience working with diverse students from elementary to high school. He holds a B.A. in English, an M.A. in Teaching, and an M.S. in Educational Leadership. He began his career teaching ELA and reading in underserved communities in New Haven, CT. As a former multilingual student, he pursued EL certification to support others facing similar challenges. Proud to return for his second year as a WIDA Fellow, Feras draws on his experience to build strong connections with students and families. He believes every student deserves to be seen, valued and empowered—and this belief fuels his daily commitment.

Susan Rosato

Susan has been a multilingual learner teacher for 26 years. She began her career in Holyoke, Massachusetts, in a bilingual classroom and currently teaches at Colchester High School in Vermont. She received a B.A. in Secondary Education from the State University of New York at Cortland and her M.S. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from the State University of New York at Albany. Rosato designed a newcomer program, a Multi-lingual Learner (ML) course, and an ML summer program for her district. She offers a three-credit ML course through St. Michael's College in Colchester, VT, for classroom teachers. Susan is the 2021 Vermont Teacher of the Year and a recipient of the 2025 Travelers Award for Teaching Excellence. Susan loves teaching and believes that equity in opportunity is how public education changes lives.

Lanísia Scarbrough

Lanísia is currently a Multilingual teacher in the West Ada School District in Boise, Idaho. Multilingualism has been at the core of Lanísia’s educational and professional experiences. She was born and raised in Cape Verde, which allowed her to speak Creole at home while learning in Portuguese. She obtained a B.A. in English Studies and later taught English to high school students. Lanísia moved to the U.S. in 2010 and taught English to both adult refugees and immigrants. Her experiences teaching abroad, along with the challenges of moving to a new country, motivated her to obtain a master's degree in English. Lanísia is committed to providing a safe place for her students to thrive.

Pushpanjali Sengupta

Pushpanjali is a Multilingual Learner (MLL) Facilitator at Ardmore Elementary in Bellevue School District, Bellevue, Washington. She holds an M.A. in teaching, is Multilingual Language Learner (MLL) endorsed, and is a National Board-Certified Teacher in English as a New Language. A former K–6 classroom teacher, Pushpanjali has led district work in literacy adoption, co-created a language and literacy framework and developed family engagement tools used across and beyond the district. She continues to collaborate with authors to share her work in published books. As an immigrant and multilingual language learner, Pushpanjali advocates for asset-based, collaborative learning that honors multilingual-learner students and their families.

Betsy Vander Heiden

Betsy is currently an elementary EL teacher in the Elmbrook School District in Brookfield, Wisconsin. With a passion for fostering meaningful relationships, she is dedicated to empowering English language learners and their families. During her 23-year teaching career, Betsy has delivered professional development and accepted leadership roles, which have strengthened her support for staff working with ELs. Betsy’s education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a Spanish major and a TESOL minor from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, a Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Professional Development from Alverno College and additional licensure in bilingual-bicultural education. In 2023, Betsy proudly achieved her National Board Certification in English as a New Language.

Beverlyn Villanueva

Beverlyn is an ESL teacher at Cumberland County Schools in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She holds an Ed.D. in Educational Management and an M.A. in Education with a major in English from President Ramon Magsaysay State University, Philippines. With 15 years of teaching experience, she has been featured on the WIDA website for her collaboration initiatives and highlighted in the EPI Blog as a winning coach and mentor for Creative writing and the Arts. She is the recipient of the 2024–2025 Innovative Language Experience Award and was a finalist for the 2024–2025 Carolina TESOL Teacher of the Year. She is also an EPI Local Liaison Trailblazer Awardee. Beverlyn will present at the 2025 WIDA Annual Conference in Seattle on fusing culture and language to inspire global competence.

Tara Willging

Tara has been a practicing ESL teacher in Virginia public schools for 10 years. As a team lead for her elementary school, she engages with students, families, and teachers utilizing a translanguaging approach. She holds an M.A. in Education and is in her final year of her Ph.D. in Education at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, studying teacher perceptions of assessments with multilingual learners. She has been a member of the Multilingual Learners in Schools research group at VCU since 2021, contributing to articles, book chapters, presentations, and workshops. Her research interests have evolved from her experience in public schools through a critical yet asset-based approach.

New WIDA Fellow Instructional Experts

Samhita Basuthakur

Samhita is a National Board-certified ELD Teacher at Spring-Ford Area School District in Royersford, Pennsylvania, and holds an M.Ed. An immigrant and multilingual learner herself, Samhita champions inclusivity and sets high expectations for her ELs so they can realize the power, privilege and potential of an American education while nurturing their linguistic and cultural assets. Beyond her school role, Samhita mentors other educators through Stanford University's NBRC and advocates for National Board Certification in Pennsylvania. She founded Boldly Bengali, an online community dedicated to preserving the Bengali language and culture among the diaspora. Her exceptional contributions were recently recognized with the Citadel Heart of Learning Award.

Diallo Ferguson

Diallo is an ESL teacher at North Randolph Elementary School. He is a dedicated educator and advocate committed to advancing equity and inclusion in Massachusetts' education system. Diallo earned an M.A. in Teaching with a focus on ESL from Bridgewater State University and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Currently pursuing a doctorate in Urban Education, Leadership, and Policy Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, Diallo's work centers on creating opportunities for marginalized communities to succeed and lead in their chosen fields. His experience encompasses curriculum development, culturally responsive teaching and fostering inclusive learning environments.

Heather Goodrich

Heather is an English Language Development Specialist at Jackson Hole Middle School in Teton County, Wyoming. Heather has dual M.A.s in Curriculum and Instruction and Bilingual Education from the University of Colorado Bueno Center, as well as a National Board Certification in English as a New Language and a Principal Certification. She has worked with multilingual learners for over 26 years as a teacher, Instructional Coach, and Program Coordinator. Heather has dedicated her career to serving multilingual learners and their families and believes passionately that the culture of the entire school community is enriched when all student voices are heard and valued.

Nyana Hampton

Nyana is an ESOL teacher at Jackson Elementary in Lawrenceville, Georgia, part of Gwinnett County Public Schools. She is entering her 16th year in education, having spent eight years teaching first grade before moving into her current role in ESOL. Nyana holds a B.A. from Georgia State University and an M.A. from Walden University. In addition to her classroom work, she partners with the Center for Applied Linguistics and WIDA to help develop, review, and field test items for the WIDA ACCESS assessment. She has been honored as Teacher of the Year, named a GCPS semifinalist and recognized as a Race to the Top Exemplary Teacher for her commitment to student growth and achievement.

Reinel Oyola

Reinel is an ESL teacher and Language Specialist at Statesville High School in Statesville, North Carolina. He graduated from the English Teaching Program at the University of Córdoba (Colombia) and is currently pursuing an M.A. in TESOL at Greensboro College, Greensboro, NC. Reinel is an experienced Colombian educator with a background in supporting multicultural, immigrant, and language learner populations, including indigenous communities. He is committed to equitable education and specializes in curriculum design, language assessment and instructional strategies designed for diverse learners. Beyond teaching, he is actively engaged in educational research, particularly in the areas of language policy and curriculum adaptation for underrepresented communities.

Smaylin Reyes

Smaylin is a Multilingual Learner Coordinator & Educator at Achievement First in Providence, Rhode Island. An immigrant from the Dominican Republic, she arrived in 2008 as a multilingual language learner student herself. She holds a graduate certificate in TESOL from Roger Williams University and is completing an M.A.T. in Spanish with a bilingual education endorsement from Rhode Island College. Smaylin was the 2024 District Teacher of the Year and a top six finalist for Rhode Island Teacher of the Year. She is co-chair of the RI MLL State Advisory Board and serves on the boards of RITELL & RIFLA. In 2025, she was recognized as an RI Future Teacher Mentor. Smaylin is deeply committed to equity, language justice and culturally responsive teaching.

Melissa Thompson

Melissa is an ELD teacher at Brandeis Elementary in Louisville, Kentucky. As an educator with 29 years of experience, her passion is to empower her students with words, arm them with confidence and entrust them with creating a future for their world. Melissa has a B.A. in Elementary Education, an M.A. in Education and an Endorsement in ESL. Melissa is committed to fostering a welcoming environment for her students and families and using cultural understanding to enhance students' learning experiences. She encourages her students to grow into responsible global citizens. Melissa collaborates with teachers in her building, including co-teaching in her school's HI classroom, where most of the students are multilingual learners and have a hearing impairment.

Sophia Woychik

Sophia serves as the EL Director for the Independence School District in Independence, Wisconsin. She brings experience serving K–12 multilingual learners, with a focus on supporting Newcomers and Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE). Sophia’s background includes classroom teaching and instructional leadership. She has worked in rural and urban schools across Wisconsin, where she continues to provide instruction for newcomer students. Sophia also offers instructional coaching and professional development for school staff, supporting their growth in reaching ALL learners. Sophia is deeply dedicated to advancing access to education through collaboration, cultural responsiveness and ongoing professional learning.

Returning WIDA Fellow Educational Leaders

Komi Agoda-Koussema

Komi is an ESL teacher in Elizabeth Public Schools, Elizabeth, New Jersey. He earned his doctorate in Education from the University of Sarasota in Florida. He was an educator of ELLs for the New York City Department of Education for 33 years and retired in 2022. He also teaches ELLs at Middlesex College in New Jersey. He established Agoda Civics Institute, a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization serving the north shore of Staten Island. He serves as the current chair of APAC, the African Political Action Committee. Komi is also vice chair of the board of trustees of the Castleton Hill Moravian Church on Staten Island. He is also the investment and business development officer of the Diaspora Legacy Resorts Governing Board of Trustees.

Sarah Carr

Sarah leads the LIEP team at Tucker High School in Henrico County, the most diverse school in Virginia. She has worked with international students since 2008 and has taught ESL at Tucker since 2016. She has lived in Arizona, Virginia, and Mexico, and is part of a multilingual family, which lends personal experience to her practice. She holds a B.A. in anthropology, an M.Ed. in TESOL, and a postgraduate certificate in administration and supervision. Leading with culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices, Sarah values creating safe learning spaces, student empowerment and community relationships. Outside of school, Sarah can be found dancing or working on her current project, a recorded oral history of multilingualism in Virginia.

Mabel Lamprea

Mabel is a language educator from Colombia, where she has nine years of teaching and leadership experience in primary, secondary, and higher education. Mabel holds a B.A. and a specialization in Language Teaching from Universidad Industrial de Santander, an M.A. in educational leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University, and an Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from Gardner-Webb University. She and her daughter migrated to the U.S. in 2005. Mabel is currently an English Learner Teacher at TAEP (The Alternative Education Program) in Leesburg, Virginia. Her research focuses on English Learners’ academic resilience, meaningful educational opportunities and professional learning. Mabel lives with her son and parents in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.

Katherine Lobo

Kathy is an ESL teacher at Brown Middle School in Newton, Massachusetts. She holds a B.F.A. from the Philadelphia College of Art, an M.A. from Norwich University, and graduate certificates in ESL/ESOL and teaching bilingual learners with disabilities. With over 25 years of experience, she has taught multilingual learners in grades 5–12 in public, private and international schools in the U.S., Japan and Australia. She has led professional development in education and art and taught at Brandeis, Lesley and Emmanuel Universities. Kathy has served on the boards of MABE, MATSOL and TESOL International. Her work centers on language equity and inclusive global education. This is her second year as a WIDA Fellow.

Bryan Lynip

Bryan is an English as a second language teacher at an elementary school in Columbia, South Carolina. He returns to teaching after retiring from many years in school administration in North Carolina. Bryan began his career teaching ESOL in Stanly County, North Carolina, where he worked with mostly Hmong, Mexican, and Latin American families. Because the Hmong people were particularly unknown to the schools and community, Bryan did in-service training around the county. He enjoyed teaching teachers and pursued a career in administration. Now, 25 years later, he has returned to ESOL. He is grateful to have an opportunity to work with WIDA as a fellow.

Brenda McMurtrey

Brenda is an English as a Second Language Coordinator and Teacher in Saint George, Utah. She earned a B.A. in Special Education and an M.A. in English as a Second Language. Brenda ran an elementary Alternative Communication Program, worked at a Youth Crisis Center and currently works in a public high school. Her most recent accomplishments include the Best Teacher on the Planet award, completing the School Leadership Program, and receiving the Next Generation Personal Finance Distinguished Educator Award.

Jessica Pulzetti

Jess teaches multilingual learners at Ottoson Middle School in Arlington, Massachusetts. She holds an M.A.T. ESOL from American University and a M.A. certificate in teacher leadership from Salem State University. She began her career as a Latin teacher and shifted after she volunteered to teach ESL and loved it! A curriculum developer for more than 15 years, she has written for Fairfax County Public Schools, USA TODAY, Arlington Public Schools, and Boston Public Schools. She has developed multilingual language learner units for ELA, science, math, and social studies. She shares her units statewide through her involvement in the MATSOL ESL Unit Developers Special Interest Group. In Arlington, she serves on the Instructional Leadership Team and coaches Cross Country.

Tanya Scott

Tanya serves as the Director of English Learner and Pre-K Programming for the Carson City School District in Nevada. Tanya entered the field having attended a performing arts magnet school before earning a B.A. in Theater from U.C.L.A. Committed to being a lifelong learner, she went on to earn an M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), followed by a Ph.D. in Literacy Studies from the University of Nevada, Reno. The greatest joy Tanya finds in her present position is connecting with multilingual learners and families in novel ways that foster community partnerships through the arts. She hopes that this endeavor will inspire multilingual learners, propelling them toward further enrichment and educational opportunities.

Aaron Taylor

Aaron is a native New Mexican and currently works as an ELD coordinator at Explore Academy Charter School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He has taught a variety of classes for middle and high school English learners for the past 20 years. In 2014, he earned a Ph.D. in Spanish literature from the University of New Mexico while continuing to support English learners in various roles as a bilingual coordinator. In 2017, he developed a class for New Mexico Highlands University titled "Teaching Reading and the Language Arts in the Bilingual Classroom." Aaron’s current role includes teaching an English language development course, coordinating testing for English learners and training Explore Academy staff on best practices.

New WIDA Fellow Educational Leaders

Dakota Breen

Dakota works for West Fargo Public Schools in North Dakota. She has 13 years of experience teaching sheltered instruction in Language Arts to ML students in grades 9–12. She also works as her district's EL coordinator. Her district serves over 1,300 multilingual learners from diverse backgrounds. She holds a B.A. in English Education and a minor in Spanish. She earned her M.Ed. in EL Education in 2015. She became the first Nationally Board-Certified Teacher in English as a New Language for the state of North Dakota in 2018. She is a past president and current business manager for Dakota TESOL, a regional affiliate of the TESOL organization. She also serves on North Dakota's EL program advisory committee for the state education agency.

Yaqueline Clauss

Yaqueline, ESOL consultant and Itinerant Teacher at DCPS, Washington, DC, brings 23 years of expertise as an educator and researcher. She holds a B.A. in modern languages, a graduate certificate in Equity and Excellence in Teaching Multilingual Learners, an M.A. in social and educational development and over 35 post-master's credits in related education fields. Yaqueline has advanced linguistic diversity across the US, UK and South America. Recognized for curriculum innovation, educational technology integration, and inclusive learning environments, she has received numerous awards and fellowships locally and globally. Her leadership and pedagogical strategies empower multilingual learners, educators, and families.

Danielle Luer 

Danielle is the English Learner Coordinator for the Eau Claire Area School District in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She holds a M.Ed. degree in curriculum and instruction and is pursuing an Ed.D. in Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement. Danielle has over 15 years of experience in bilingual education, multilingual learner advocacy, and program leadership in both U.S. and international schools. She leads EL programming, professional development, and family engagement initiatives. She has presented at multiple conferences and manages an Immigrant Youth and Child Grant. A returned Peace Corps volunteer, she has been recognized and received many community awards, including a mayoral proclamation from the City of Milwaukee.

Krista Mecham

Krista is a district teacher specialist in Jordan School District, Utah, supporting teachers of over 5,500 multilingual learners who speak over 60 different languages. In this role, she consults with teachers and faculty but also aims to increase family and community involvement. Krista has a B.S. in Elementary Education from Utah State, an M.Ed. in Education from the University of Utah, endorsements in Culture and Society, ESL and instructional coaching, and an interpreter certification. She has taught ESL, DLI, and adult ESL courses. Krista teaches graduate-level ESL Endorsement courses for the district’s teachers in partnership with Southern Utah University and recently earned her Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish to encourage students and promote bilingualism.

Miguel Melchor

Miguel is a Personalized Learning Coordinator in Chicago, Illinois, whose experience as a bilingual student drives his commitment to full and meaningful access in education. He holds a B.A. in Urban Education and an M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago. With over 11 years in education, he has taught elementary and middle school math and science, led a bilingual program serving more than 800 students, and coached teachers to support multilingual learners. In his current role, Miguel collaborates with educators to implement blended, self-paced, and mastery-based instruction that advances academic achievement and language development. He mentors educators nationwide and champions inclusive, student-centered learning.

Puja Mullins

Puja is the Coordinator of Newcomer Support at Washtenaw ISD in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She holds graduate degrees in Elementary Education and TESOL. With prior experience as a K–12 EL Coordinator and teacher, Puja now leads countywide and regional projects to support multilingual learners, partnering with schools and community organizations to strengthen wraparound support for immigrant and refugee students and their families. She also consults on teacher preparation, leads professional learning and advances statewide equity initiatives, while continuing to deepen her expertise across MTSS, Special Education, CTE opportunities, and Family Engagement efforts.

Mary Orozco

Mary is the Assistant Principal at Gavin Central Elementary School in Ingleside, Illinois. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and an M.Ed. in Bilingual-Bicultural Education from DePaul University, as well as an M.A. in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. A Golden Apple Award winner and nominee for Illinois Teacher of the Year, Mary brings 12 years of experience as a bilingual, dual language and ESL teacher. She is a member of IPA and IAMME, and a recipient of the IL Aspiring School Leader Network Scholarship and the "Good Things at Gavin" Award. She is passionate about building inclusive school communities that celebrate multilingual learners and elevate student achievement.

Emily Reel

Emily is an ELD Specialist at York Academy Regional Charter School in York, Pennsylvania, where she supports multilingual language learners in grades 7 through 12. She holds a B.A. in Education from Clarion University and an M.A. in teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Wilson College. With 17 years of experience in education, Emily has served as an English teacher, Literacy Coach, and now as an advocate and instructional leader for multilingual students. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to equity and access to education. One of Emily’s most meaningful professional accomplishments has been her role in integrating multilingual language learners into the academically rigorous International Baccalaureate program at York Academy.

Vivian Simmons

Vivian is an instructional coach at Iredell-Statesville Schools, North Carolina, where she supports multilingual learners and Dual Language Immersion programs. She earned a B.A. in Foreign Languages in her home country of Colombia before completing an M.A. in TESOL and an M.A. in School Administration in the U.S. She is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. Over the past 18 years, she has served as a classroom teacher, coach and professional learning facilitator. A former international student and bilingual educator, Vivian values the cultural and linguistic strengths students bring. She is grateful to be part of the WIDA Fellows and looks forward to collaborating and growing alongside fellow educators.

Thomas Swan

Thomas serves as principal of Solomon Elementary School in Wahiawa, Hawai’i, where he demonstrates a deep understanding of the unique linguistic, cultural, and academic needs of all learners and is committed to ensuring student progress and growth by tailoring support systems that foster both language development and academic success. He received his M.Ed. from the University of Hawai‘i, Mānoa, and B.A. from Cal Poly, Pomona. Thomas has over two decades of experience in education, including teaching, administration and program supervision, with a proven track record in expanding and improving ELL programs, implementing effective instructional strategies and fostering student success. He lives in Mililani, HI, with his wife and five children.

Ashley Wedekind

Ashley is the Student Special Services Instructional Coach and CLDE Coordinator at Atlas Schools in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She earned a B.A. in Liberal Arts and a teaching credential with an ELD Endorsement from Cal Poly Pomona and studied literacy support at UC San Diego. Ashley has served TK–12 students in English immersion, sheltered ELD, co-teaching and pull-out language services. She now coaches teachers, leading PD on language-rich instruction, Tier 1 best practices, UDL, newcomer support and co-teaching. Over the past 10 years, she has served low-income schools with high multilingual language learner populations, being awarded Teacher of the Year, Scholarship Prep in 2021, and Gryphon of the Year, Atlas Schools Elementary in 2024.