In this third episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, host Rictor Riolo sits down with Nancy Gonzalez, an ELD (English Language Development) paraprofessional at the middle school level, for an honest and insightful conversation about the realities of supporting multilingual learners in today’s political climate. Nancy discusses her role in guiding newcomer students, those who have recently arrived in the U.S., through their academic day, helping them navigate not only English but also the cultural shift of a new country. She opens up about the linguistic diversity she sees in the classroom, including students from Micronesia, Mexico, Ukraine, and Indonesia, and how tools like Google Translate, push-in support, and personalized assistance are essential in creating an inclusive environment. Nancy also critiques standardized assessments like the ELPA (English Language Proficiency Assessment), questioning whether they accurately reflect a student’s English ability and expressing concern over how long some students, especially U.S.-born kids, remain trapped in the ELD system, limiting their academic growth.

The conversation takes a powerful turn as Nancy addresses the political threats to the Department of Education, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs, and dual language immersion. She reflects on the potential dismantling of these systems and what that would mean for vulnerable students who still need support, even if the programs disappear. Nancy passionately advocates for inclusive, integrated classrooms where students can see themselves reflected in their teachers and feel emotionally supported amidst growing national anxiety. She shares her own journey as a former ELD student, her aspirations to become a social studies teacher, and her unwavering hope that, even if the policies change, dedicated educators will continue to show up, speak up, and care deeply for every learner. This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of equitable education.