Who starts a business in a pandemic? I do!
I am excited to launch the English Learners Advocacy Network!
It has been my dream to start my own consulting business with the mission of increasing multilingual student success in PreK-12 systems.
The idea for an advocacy network came to me about 10 years ago after a frustrating week of EL leadership. I was tired of being the lone voice raising equity issues and pushing for quality services for English learners.
I believe in Margaret Mead’s quote,
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it's the only thing that ever has” (1978).
I knew this important advocacy work needed a group effort, so as I sat on my bed in my jammies I bought the domain name ELAdvocacy.com and started the ELAdvocacy Facebook page. I was determined to share best practices and connect with advocates across the nation dedicated to equity for ELs. Since then I’ve posted as ELAdvocacy on social media and consulted personally through word-of-mouth references, but the ELAdvocacy domain was always in the back of my mind. What did I want to do with it? Would I have the courage it takes to start my own business?
The pandemic spurred me to action. I see first-hand how the pandemic has hurt educators, students and their communities. I feel called to provide professional guidance and support to meet English learners (ELs) needs in this pandemic teaching environment. I have never seen so many administrators and teachers crying (including me a few times) as our fundamental purpose as educators is challenged daily. Who are we? How are we supposed to do this work?
Most importantly to me, how will English learners (ELs) continue to learn in this disrupted educational setting? And how will we close the gap once we’re back to “normal?”
ELs are falling behind academically and linguistically and educators feel overwhelmed and powerless to stop it. That’s the bad news. The good news is that we are better together and the Change Agents (consultants) in the EL Advocacy Network are ready to collaborate with those dedicated to improving outcomes for ELs - even in a crazy pandemic. I’m pretty good at what I do (and humble as well - what a plus!) but I still ask for support from smart colleagues who have expertise I don’t. I offer this network to the world as an opportunity to tap into professional expertise that is hard to find locally.
When you work with EL Advocacy Change Agents you get collaborative partners who value equity, empowerment and integrity in all we do.
Please check out the fancy new ELAdvocacy.com website, meet the Change Agents and learn more about our process below. If you like what we offer please contact us with questions and share it on social media. Thank you for your support in one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever made in my career.
I look forward to hearing from you. Please leave a comment below with questions, comments or tasty recipes and games to get through a pandemic winter.
~ Kristina
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