Allyson Berríos de Gacharná earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from the Florida International University and her M.A. in TESOL and Bilingual Education from Florida Atlantic University. She has been an Adjunct Professor for Florida Atlantic University since fall 2007. While at FAU, she has taught different course sessions regarding TESOL Issues and Practices, and Introduction to Theories and Practices of TESOL. She has also worked for over ten years as an elementary school teacher in Palm Beach County Public School District’s Bilingual/Dual Language program. Currently, she works as Professional Development Specialist for the Multicultural Department. Allyson’s interests include infusion of ESOL instructional strategies in teacher education. She is very passionate about studying the benefits of scaffolding and providing coaching and feedback in teacher education courses. Her goals have been to influence her colleagues positively in order to improve their own teaching, and learning practices with the aim to increase student learning and achievement.

Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies for ELLs
Participants will explore ways to apply culturally responsive teaching strategies and the WIDA CAN DO philosophy to help culturally and linguistically diverse learners feel safe and supported academically.