Educators certified to serve as translators, interpreters
SALEM (July 15, 2024) – Eleven educators from Salem Public Schools completed the course ‘Advancing Language Access in Schools’ to earn bilingual educators certification in a small ceremony Thursday, June 6 in the Collins Middle School Chamber.
The Bilingual Educators Certification is presented to SPS educators who undergo language training during the fall or spring terms and perform a set number of language service hours en route to serving as language translators and interpreters.
“The District has recognized the need for more in-house services to provide,” said Laura Assade, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Engagement.” We would rather invest in our educators, which is consistent with our strategic plan.”
The 11 certifications marked a significant increase in educators taking part in the program, which includes a stipend. Three educators earned certification in the fall 2023, and two in the spring of 2023, the inaugural term.
“The incentive is one of the reasons (for the increase),” said Ms. Assade. “We want to be able to compensate them for what they’re doing and recognize the skills they are bringing to the District.”
SPS educators earning certification included:
- Dariana Bonilla (Paraprofessional), Witchcraft Heights Elementary
- Helena Caldeira (Clerk), Bentley Academy Innovation School
- Nayelis Carmona (Kindergarten teacher), Bentley Academy Innovation School
- Silvia Valles de la Huerta (Teacher), Bentley Academy Innovation School
- Janet Garcia (Teacher), Bentley Academy Innovation School
- Terrell Greene (Dean), Collins Middle School
- Andrea Homan (Nurse), Collins Middle School
- Mari Grehica Moreta (Paraprofessional), Bates Elementary School
- Johanna Rodriguez (Counselor), Collins Middle School
- Irma Salcedo (Paraprofessional), Collins Middle School
- Joy Richmond-Smith (Counselor), Saltonstall School
About Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are all passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens we view all of our work through. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff serve all of our students, regardless of ability or language. Salem Public Schools enrolls approximately 4,000 students across its eleven schools.
