How might we expand on the workshop model for reading and writing to ensure English learners have the accommodations they need to learn? What is the role and responsibility of teachers during shared, guided, and independent reading and writing times?  How can well-designed reading and writing activities help build learning communities and allow teachers to get to know their students better?

We discuss these topics and much more in our conversation with Valentina Gonzalez and Melinda Miller, authors of the new book “Reading and Writing with English Learners”, available now on the Seidlitz Education website.

Valentina Gonzalez (@ValentinaESL) has worked in public education for 21 years, serving as a classroom teacher, an ESL co-teacher and pull-out teacher, a district ESL facilitator and a district professional development specialist for English learners. She has appeared on Highest Aspirations to discuss the workshop model for reading and writing, sharing resources during remote learning and more. Valentina has been asked to present at the state and national levels. She earned her Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Houston and her Master’s in Leadership and Administration from Lamar University.

Dr. Melinda Miller (@DrMelindaMiller) is a full professor who has been teaching at Sam Houston State University since 2001. She currently teaches at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. This is her first time appearing on Highest Aspirations. She previously taught public school in the classroom and as a Reading Specialist for 11 years. After completing an undergraduate degree in Education at the University of Texas, she received her Master’s degree in Reading from Sam Houston State University and her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University.