S11/E3: Empowering bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural students with NABE TOY Sonia Águila

S11/E3: Empowering bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural students with NABE TOY Sonia Águila

Author: Ellevation Education September 12, 2023 Duration: 48:07

How can teachers use relationship building to improve learning outcomes for hesitant or disconnected students? How can we encourage our students to embrace and celebrate their bilingualism?

We dive into these questions and more with Sonia Águila, a California dual language teacher who has been recognized in her district, her state, and nationally for the work she has done in the field of multilingual education.

Born in Santa Barbara, California, Sonia Águila grew up in a small town near Guadalajara, Mexico. She returned to California at age 11 only knowing how to count to ten in English. After experiencing many challenges and even being discouraged from pursuing a higher education as a young student, she was eventually selected as her high school Salutatorian and Latino Student of the Year at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She followed her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher after  obtaining an Elementary Teaching Credential with an emphasis in Spanish and a Masters Degree in Education.


Sonia is currently a 2nd grade Dual Language Immersion Teacher at Canalino Elementary School and the Dual Language Immersion Chairperson for Carpinteria Unified School District, where co-wrote the Plan Maestro for the Dual Language Immersion Program.

She was Carpinteria Unified School District Teacher of the Year in 2017,  

California Bilingual Teacher of the Year in 2022,

And National Bilingual Teacher of the Year un 2023.

Download the full episode transcript here, and find more free resources for multilingual educators on our website.


At the heart of Highest Aspirations are the voices and stories of English Language Learners, a dynamic and fast-growing part of the student population. Created by Ellevation Education, this podcast moves beyond theory to explore the real-world experiences shaping classrooms today. Each episode connects you directly with educators who are in the trenches, students navigating dual languages, and researchers translating data into practical strategies. You’ll also hear from families and community advocates, whose perspectives are crucial yet often overlooked. These conversations collectively tackle a central question: how do we build systems that genuinely allow every student to thrive? Rather than offering simple answers, the series delves into the complexities of policy, instructional practice, and cultural belonging. It’s a space where the vibrant ELL community gathers to discuss both challenges and breakthroughs. Tuning in provides a nuanced look at the evolving landscape of education, emphasizing actionable insights and shared humanity. The Highest Aspirations podcast ultimately serves as a thoughtful forum for anyone invested in creating more equitable and effective learning environments for all.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Highest Aspirations
Podcast Episodes
S11/E1: Learn to discuss, discuss to learn with Dr. Mariana Castro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:51
What is the difference between all student talk and discussions? How can teachers plan for meaningful discussion opportunities for all students, particularly MLLs? What research-proven strategies are there for creating,…
S10/E8: The future of AI in K12 Education with Chris Mah [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:13
How is AI currently being used to support MLLs in K12 education? What challenges and concerns currently surround the increasing presence of AI in the classroom? How might this technology transform the work of educators m…