Episode Summary: In this episode, Maria Friedland explains her diverse roles and how she collaborates with educators and institutions to develop professional learning opportunities and curriculum resources for K-12 multilingual learners. She shares her teaching journey from Brazil to the U.S. and her numerous initiatives, notably her passion project, “PBL with ELLs in Mind: A Collaborative, Culminating Event.” This conversation is full of delightful stories about students who participated in this event, highlighting the impact of collaborative projects on multilingual students. If you’re interested in facilitating a passion project to empower your ELLs and MLs, Maria shares insights to help you on your journey to seeing your educational event come to fruition. Tune in now! 

RBERNing Questions for this Episode

1- Can you describe the origins of PBL with ELLs in Mind: A Collaborative, Culminating Event? 

2- What have been some of your proudest moments in developing and seeing this event come to fruition?

3- What advice would you give to current educators who might want to put on an event that really resonates with their passion in this field? 

Guest BIO:

Maria Oliveira-Friedland is the Senior Director of Social Studies/Civics Curriculum and Instruction for Multilingual and English Learners (MLs/ELLs) in New York City Public Schools. In this capacity, Maria works closely with central offices, district teams, and educators of Multilingual Learners to design, plan and deliver professional learning opportunities and curricular resources that address the needs of K-12 linguistically diverse learners. Maria Oliveira-Friedland has also served NYCPS as a Director of Middle School Literacy and Language Development and as a Senior ELL Instructional Specialist, designing instructional resources for middle school and secondary education. Maria has an Advanced Studies Degree in District Leadership and Policy, a master’s degree in School Leadership, Administration and Policy, a master’s degree in TESOL K-12, and a BA in Geography. With over 20 years of experience as an educator in New York City and abroad, Maria’s educational leadership and teaching practices have always been directly connected to serving Multilingual, English Language Learners and immigrant families.

Resources

Publications:

Amplify Multilingual Voices and Learning in K-12 Education through Project-Based Learning Amplifying Multilingual Voices and Learning in K–12 Education .pdf

Scaffolded Models for the Integration of Language and Content 

Scaffolded Models for MLs_v4.pdf

A Guide to Linguistically Responsive Writing Feedback

Guide for Developing Linguistically Responsive Writing Feedback .pdf

To find out more about Mid-State RBERN at OCM BOCES' services, listen to season 1 of the show with host Collette Farone-Goodwin, or to receive CTLE credit for listening to episodes, click here: https://midstaterbern.org/