WIDA announces 2026-2027 WIDA Fellows cohort 

WIDA is excited to welcome new and returning WIDA Fellows for 2026-2027. The program, launched in 2019, brings expert educators and WIDA staff together in a collaborative effort to enhance the development of WIDA products and services.

Returning WIDA Fellow Instructional Experts

Samhita Basuthakur

Samhita is a National Board-certified ELD Teacher at Spring-Ford Area School District in Royersford, PA. She holds an M.Ed. in Literacy with several advanced certifications. An immigrant and former EL, Samhita champions inclusivity and sets high expectations for her ELs so they can attain English proficiency 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 in PA. She founded the Boldly Bengali online community to preserve the Bengali language and culture. Samhita is one of the 12 finalists for the 2027 PA Teacher of the Year, winner of the Citadel Heart of Learning Award, and the Spring Ford Senior Impact 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. Currently pursuing a Doctoral degree 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. Diallo earned a Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on English as a Second Language (ESL) from Bridgewater State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Massachusetts Boston. 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 Boards 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 the service of Multilingual Learners and their families and believes passionately that when all student voices are heard and valued, the culture of the entire school community is enriched.

Nyana Hampton

Nyana is an ESOL teacher at Jackson Elementary in Lawrenceville, Georgia, part of Gwinnett County Public Schools. She’s entering her 16th year in education, having spent eight years teaching first grade before moving into her current role in ESOL. Nyana holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University and a master’s degree 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 ACCESS assessment. She was 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 completed an M.A. in TESOL at Greensboro College, 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 CLD 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 and ELD Educator at Achievement First Iluminar Middle School in Cranston, Rhode Island. Originally from the Dominican Republic, she is a bilingual educator and advocate for multilingual learners across Rhode Island and the United States. She holds a B.A. in Modern Languages and Education from Rhode Island College, a Graduate Certificate in TESOL from Roger Williams University, and is pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching. Smaylin is a 2025–26 WIDA Fellow, National Belonging Leader Fellow, RI Teacher of the Year finalist, EduChamps Cohort 1 graduate, RI LEND fellow alumna, and serves on the Rhode Island MLL state advisory, RI teacher for ELLs and RI Foreign Language teachers.

Melissa Thompson

Melissa is an ELD teacher at Brandeis Elementary in Louisville, KY. As an educator of 29 years, her passion is to empower her students with words, arm them with confidence, and entrust them with creating a future for their world. 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. She collaborates with teachers in her building, including co-teaching in her school's HI classroom where the majority of the students are multilingual and have a hearing impairment. Melissa has a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, a Master's in Education, and an Endorsement in ESL.

Sophia Woychik

Sophia serves as the EL Coordinator 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.

New WIDA Fellow Instructional Experts

Katerina Alder

Katerina serves as ALA Teacher and EL Department Head at Union Freshman Academy in Tulsa, OK. A first-generation immigrant from Belarus, she holds a BA from Belarusian Institute of Jurisprudence and a MA from Belarusian State University. With 31 years of ESL teaching experience, including 16 years at Union Freshman Academy, she is dedicated to empowering multilingual learners. Katerina regularly delivers PD for educators within her district and across Oklahoma on effective practices for supporting English learners. She is the founder of Amelia’s Friends Foundation, promoting inclusion for children with disabilities, and a TEDx speaker. She was recognized as one of Tulsa Magazine’s 2025 Impactful Women for her advocacy and leadership.

Rachel Edwards

Rachel is a 2nd Grade English Language Arts Teacher and English Language Learner Specialist at KC International Academy in Kansas City, Missouri. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from MidAmerica Nazarene University, an M.A.S. in Assessment: TESOL from Missouri Western State University, and a graduate certificate in Special Reading. She has worked in education for 10 years, including 4 years as a Teacher’s Assistant in the English Language Department in Park Hill School District and 6 years as a certified teacher in Missouri charter schools. Rachel is a 2026 SchoolSmartKC Excellence in Education Star Teacher finalist and nominee for Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year.

Jamie Haley

Jamie is entering her third year as a multilingual learner teacher at Highland Middle School in Libertyville, Illinois. She holds a B.A. in Biology, an M.A. in teaching Secondary Science and an M.A. in Teaching English Learners. Jamie began her teaching career as a Biology teacher at Zion Benton High School for seven years. During this time, she created a Biology curriculum adapted for her English Learners. At Highland, Jamie has designed an ML Resource class in which her students are able to focus on language proficiency, socialize with their peers and get assistance in their content classes. Getting to know her students and their families and making them feel welcome is of the utmost importance to Jamie.

Tori Lands

Tori is a K–12 multilingual learner teacher for Mt. Blue Regional School District and a part-time ESOL lecturer at the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF). She holds a B.S. in secondary education from UMF and an M.Ed. in TESOL from the University of Southern Maine. Over the past decade, Tori has educated learners of all ages, starting her career at an international school in South Korea, before returning to Maine's public schools. Recognized as the 2024–2025 Outstanding District Educator for her district, Tori also serves as a board member for Northern New England TESOL and recently participated in the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program. She is passionate about collaboration, global education, and uplifting ML voices.

Nevart Nay

Nevart has devoted 20+ years to multilingual education and literacy. Born in Lebanon, of Armenian heritage, she immigrated to the U.S. at age seven and draws on her multilingual experiences to advocate for students and families. She holds a B.S. in Psych./Elem. Ed.from St. Peter's Univ.,an M.A. in Urban Ed. from New Jersey City Univ., and a Post-Master's Cert in Ed. Leadership from The College of New Jersey. As an ESL Teacher and Literacy Coach at Hedgepeth/Williams Intermediate School in Trenton, N.J., she co-founded Tiger Talk: Adventures w/Authors and the Lift Every Voice Multilingual After-school Prog., and co-launched Reading Olympics. As the '24–'25 Teacher of the Year, she is known for her empathy and high student expectations.

Rosalind Sawadogo

Rosalind is an ELD instructor at Blake High School in Montgomery County, Maryland. She has taught EAL at the International School of Tanganyika in Tanzania, and 10 years of French Immersion at the elementary level in Maryland. She earned her M.A. degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages as a Peaceworker Fellow, following service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Burkina Faso. She is committed to fostering learning communities that are inclusive and rigorous, building off of WIDA's Standards Framework. A lifelong learner, Rosalind's current research focus is on the Science of Reading and writing instruction for multilingual learners.

Emily Thomas

Emily serves as a Multilingual Learner Educator at Dick Scobee Elementary in Auburn, Washington. She holds an M.A. in Teaching with Reading and ELL endorsements, is a National Board-Certified Educator in English as a New Language and holds a post-graduate certificate in Early Childhood Technology. Emily is a dedicated educator bringing over 12 years of experience serving TK-5th grade students across Western Washington. Her background includes classroom teaching, Computer Science as a specialist, and instructional leadership. Emily is a strong advocate for all students and enjoys collaborating with classroom teachers to build robust instructional spaces that are inclusive and enriching for multilingual learner success.

Amie VanHorn-Gabel

Amie spent the first twenty years of her career teaching English Language Arts in a global studies program in Livonia, Michigan. She is a former Eastern Michigan Writing Project instructional coach, Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms fellow, and Teacher of the Year. Her participation in language programs in France, Morocco, Poland, and Montenegro led her to pursue an MA in TESOL. For the last eight years she has taught K-12 multilingual students from varied cultural backgrounds. She is dedicated to helping her colleagues learn strategies to ensure English learners' access to curriculum. She leads all district EL professional learning and co-facilitates a statewide EL Network sponsored by the Michigan Department of Education.

Returning 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 Language Arts to ML students in grades 9-12. She also works as her district's EL coordinator. Her district serves over 1,300 MLs from diverse backgrounds. She holds her 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 ND's EL program advisory committee for the state education agency.

Yaqueline Clauss

Yaqueline is an ESOL Consultant and Itinerant Teacher with DC Public Schools in Washington, DC, with over 24 years of experience working alongside multilingual learners in partnership with families, educators, administrators, and community stakeholders. Grounded in graduate study, fellowships, study abroad, and global professional exchange, she brings a comparative, socio-historical perspective to language, learning, and access across educational systems. Her work draws together curriculum and instructional design, bilingual and special education, and research to help multilingual learners engage with rigorous content, draw on their linguistic resources, and strengthen voice, identity, and belonging in school and community life.

Danielle Luer

Danielle is the Multilingual 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 ML 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, a district teacher specialist in Jordan School District, supports teachers of over 6,400 multilingual learners who speak over 55 different languages. In this role, she consults with teachers and aims to increase family and community involvement. Krista has a B.S. in Elementary Education from Utah State, an M.Ed. in Education, Culture and Society from the University of Utah, endorsements in 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. She recently earned her Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish to encourage students and promote bilingualism.

Miguel Melchor

Miguel is a Personalized Learning Coordinator in Chicago, IL whose experience as a bilingual student drives his commitment to educational equity. 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 holds a B.A. in Urban Education and an M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Miguel mentors educators nationwide and champions inclusive, student-centered learning.

Puja Mullins

Puja is the Coordinator of Newcomer Supports 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 supports 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 own expertise across MTSS, Special Education, CTE opportunities, and Family Engagement efforts.

Mary Orozco

Mary is Assistant Principal at Gavin Central Elementary School in Ingleside, Illinois (Gavin School District 37). 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, she 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 MLLs in grades 7–12. 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. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Clarion University and a master's degree in teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Wilson College. Throughout her career, Emily has remained committed to equity and access in education. One of Emily’s most meaningful professional accomplishments has been her role in integrating MLLs into the academically rigorous International Baccalaureate program at York Academy.

Thomas Swan

Thomas serves as principal of Solomon Elementary School in Wahiawa, HI 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 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 received his MEdT from the University of Hawai‘i, Mānoa and BA from Cal Poly, Pomona. He lives in Mililani, HI with his wife and 5 children.

Ashley Wedekind

Ashley is the Director of Inclusive Instruction 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, Gryphon of the Year-Atlas Elementary in 2024, and Gryphon of the Year-Atlas High School.

New WIDA Fellow Educational Leaders

Agustina Borré

Agustina Victoria serves as the DLSI Lead Teacher and instructional coach at Little Canada Elementary in Little Canada, Minnesota, part of Roseville Area Schools, and as an adjunct Spanish instructor at Hamline University in Saint Paul. Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, she holds a BA in English Teaching from ISLV Juan Ramón Fernández, an MA in Teaching from Hamline University, and a Dual Language Immersion certificate from UC San Diego. With 17+ years of experience across Argentina, Uruguay, and the United States, her teaching, coaching, and research focus on curriculum adaptation, translanguaging, and equitable instruction for multilingual learners.

Denise Helms

Denise is the ELD Coordinator for Northern Colorado's Weld RE-4 School District, serving Windsor, Severance, and West Greeley. With a 28-year career bridging policy and practice, she has taught elementary school, held district leadership roles, and served as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Northern Colorado, where she earned her BS and MA. A former Colorado Bilingual Teacher of the Year, Denise turns WIDA standards into living classroom tools, launching districtwide leveled ELD courses and assessments while serving on state task forces. Driven by the conviction that multilingualism is a superpower, she leverages her bilingualism to advocate for families, keeping them central to the district's vision.

Zeinab Haidous

Zeinab is a Multilingual Consultant at Wayne RESA in Wayne, Michigan. She holds a Master of Arts in Education, an ESL endorsement, and an Administrator Certificate. With 18 years of experience in education, Zeinab is committed to advancing equitable outcomes for multilingual learners. As an immigrant and former English learner, she brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her work. She supports districts in strengthening language development systems, promoting asset-based multilingual practices, and contributing to policy and practice for multilingual learners. Zeinab leads the Newcomer Educator Network and serves on multiple statewide committees advancing multilingual education across Michigan.

Serena Mui

Serena is an Educational Specialist for Fairfax County Public Schools (Fairfax, VA), a district serving over 35,000 multilingual learners. She leads division-wide initiatives at the intersection of multilingual and special education, advocating for asset-based practices in K–12 professional learning and instructional tools for Multilingual Learners with Disabilities. Driven by her background as a multilingual learner and former teacher in Shanghai, China, Serena ensures students’ home languages and cultural identities are recognized as vital resources for academic success. She holds a BS from Virginia Tech and two master’s degrees from George Mason University in Education and Educational Leadership.

Amanda Rodriguez

Amanda is the ESL Coach for Alabaster City Schools in Alabama. She has over 19 years of teaching experience in ESL at the elementary and secondary levels. Now she utilizes instructional coaching and professional development to train and support teachers of multilingual learners. Amanda earned a master's degree in ESL, an Educational Specialist Degree in Teacher Leadership, and National Board Certification in English as a New Language. She was awarded an Outstanding Alumna Award from UAB’s School of Education. She has also presented on second language acquisition pedagogy, culturally relevant teaching, and asset-based instruction at state, regional, and national conferences.

Pushpanjali Sengupta

Pushpanjali is a Multilingual Learner (MLL) Facilitator and instructional leader at Ardmore Elementary in Bellevue School District, Washington. She holds a master's in teaching, an MLL endorsement, and is a National Board-Certified Teacher in English as a New Language. With over 20 years in education, she leads professional learning and family engagement initiatives that support MLLs. As a WIDA Fellow, presenter, and regional consortium facilitator, she partners with educators and families to advance equity. Pushpanjali has collaborated with researchers and authors, including Andrea Honigsfeld, to share effective practices, contributed to statewide professional development, and co-authored a book chapter on family engagement and heritage language.

Dilini Toussaint

Dr. Toussaint is an ENL coordinator and multilingual instructional leader. She spent nearly a decade as an educator in the Rush-Henrietta Central School District before transitioning to her new role as ENL Coordinator at the Rochester Academy of Science. As a former multilingual learner herself, she is deeply committed to advancing equity, language development, and educational opportunities for multilingual learners. She holds a B.S. in TESOL and Childhood Education from Roberts Wesleyan University, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, and an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University. She serves in leadership with NYS TESOL and was named the 2025 NYS TESOL Teacher of the Year, elected to the NYS TESOL Executive Board, and nominated for the Amplify Science of Reading Star Award. Her work is grounded in empowering multilingual learners through equitable, high-quality instruction, inclusive practices, and collaborative leadership.

Julia Ullmann

Dr. Ullmann is the Coordinator of Multilingual Learners for Volusia County Schools in Deland, Florida, overseeing programs for 5,000+ students across 72 schools. She holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and a Graduate Certificate in Dual Language Education from the University of Central Florida. Dr. Ullmann designs professional learning for 200+ educators on multilingual learner support, using WIDA ACCESS data to drive program improvement. She serves on the Florida Foreign Language Association Board and was recognized as FFLA French Teacher of the Year in 2016. Her work advances educational equity and systemic capacity for multilingual learner achievement.