Highest Aspirations

On the Highest Aspirations Podcast, we engage in important conversations about the most rapidly growing student demographic in the United States - English Language Learners. We speak with educators and students, researchers and policy makers, and parents and community members about how we can help all students reach their highest aspirations. Join us on this important journey as we bring the vibrant ELL Community together around the topics that matter most to the students we serve.

Highest Aspirations is a education podcast hosted by Ellevation Education, with 255 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Ellevation Education hosts Highest Aspirations, a education show with 255 episodes published.

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  Highest Aspirations

  Centering indigenous voices in education with Georgina Owen

  Nov 5, 202528 minS0

  <p>In this episode of Highest Aspirations, Sandra Medrano-Arroyo speaks with Georgina Owen, Indian Education Coordinator at the Colorado Department of Education, about advancing authentic and equitable education for Native American students. Georgina shares how collaboration with tribal nations has shaped Colorado’s culturally grounded curriculum, strengthened trust, and ensured that Indigenous voices guide classroom instruction. Listeners will learn about innovative initiatives supporting Indigenous language and culture, efforts to refine identification processes under Title III, and strategies for sustaining meaningful partnerships between schools and tribal communities.</p><p>Key questions we address:</p>How can state education systems authentically collaborate wi...

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  Highest Aspirations

  Sustaining EL success through teacher leaders with Dr. Michelle Benegas

  Oct 21, 202533 minS0

  <p>In this episode of Highest Aspirations, Sandra Medrano-Arroyo speaks with Dr. Michelle Benegas about building sustainable, schoolwide support for ELs. Michelle shares insights on empowering teacher leaders, creating effective infrastructure for multilingual learner programs, and strategies for strengthening both direct and indirect support. Listeners will learn how to foster collaborative, capacity-driven approaches that help educators expand their impact and ensure lasting success for all ELs.</p><p>Key questions we address:</p><p>1. How can schools build sustainable, schoolwide systems to support ELs beyond individual classrooms?</p><p>2. What role do teacher leaders play in strengthening EL programs and...

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  Highest Aspirations

  Effective coaching for teachers of English learners with Paula Polk

  Oct 7, 202529 minS0

  <p>In this episode of Highest Aspirations, Sandra Medrano-Arroyo speaks with Paula Polk about her journey from classroom teacher to language coach and district leader. Paula shares insights on coaching with integrity, empathy, and justice, strategies for supporting multilingual learners, and practical approaches to building teacher expertise. Listeners will learn how to expand their impact in education while fostering collaborative, student-centered learning environments.</p><p><br>Key questions we address:<br></p>How can educators transition from classroom teaching to coaching and leadership roles while maintaining a focus on student outcomes?What are practical strategies that language coaches and teachers...

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  Highest Aspirations

  Student agency through academic languaging with Dr. Margo Gottlieb and Dr. Gisela Ernst-Slavit

  Sep 23, 202531 minS0

  <p>In this episode of Highest Aspirations, we speak with Dr. Margo Gottlieb and Dr. Gisela Ernst-Slavit about the powerful concept at the heart of their new book, Academic Languaging. They challenge the traditional view of academic language as a fixed code to be mastered, redefining it as an active, student-driven process that empowers multilingual learners. The conversation dives deep into the crucial role of student agency, exploring how authentic voice and choice can transform the classroom. </p><p><br />Key questions we address:</p>What is "academic languaging," and how does it fundamentally shift the traditional view of academic l...

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  Highest Aspirations

  Organizing a summer newcomer program with Sarah Whitfield

  Sep 9, 202534 minS0

  <p>In this episode of Highest Aspirations, we speak with Sarah Whitfield, an ML Instructional Specialist, about the summer Newcomer Academy she directs. Sarah shares the intentional structure of the program, which is designed to build a strong sense of belonging and identity for middle and high school newcomers. She details a profound shift in her approach—moving from "family engagement" to true "family collaboration"—and discusses a simple yet transformative practice of asking parents about their hopes and dreams for their children. This conversation provides a practical roadmap for creating welcoming environments and building authentic, lasting partnerships with newcomer fami...

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