S13/E10: Building Bridges for Newcomer Families with Amy King and Yvonne Williams

Newcomer students bring diverse strengths and experiences to their schools but often face unique challenges in adjusting to a new country, culture, and educational system. Amy King and Yvonne Williams from WCEPS join Highest Aspirations to discuss how clear communication, culturally responsive practices, and meaningful family engagement can help schools support newcomer families effectively.

In this episode, King and Williams share actionable strategies for building partnerships with families, fostering inclusive environments, and addressing the diverse needs of students and families. From leveraging families’ strengths to shifting deficit-based perspectives, this conversation offers valuable insights for educators committed to creating spaces where all students can succeed.

Key questions we address:

1. What strategies can schools implement to foster culturally responsive communication and actively engage families as partners in education?
2. How can educators address the unique needs of newcomer families while leveraging their strengths to create inclusive school environments?
3. What steps can schools take to ensure clear communication channels that respect and reflect families’ diverse cultural backgrounds?

For additional episode and community resources:

• Download the transcript here
• Watch the recording of Amy and Yvonne’s IMPACT session
• Engage with the Building Bridges padlet
• Learn more about WCEPS work on their website
• Stay updated on upcoming Tips and Dips webinars
• For additional free resources geared toward supporting English learners, ⁠visit our blog
• To expand your connection within the Ellevation community by joining our ⁠Ellevation Educator Facebook Group

Yvonne Williams is the Director of Multilingual Learner Educator Engagement at WCEPS, where she works closely with Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to support educators in meeting their goals. As an immigrant from Chihuahua, Mexico, and a former English language learner, Yvonne brings a deeply personal perspective to her work. Her 25+ years of experience in education, including her time as a WIDA Professional Learning Specialist, have shaped her dedication to helping diverse language learners succeed.

Amy King has more than 20 years of experience in the field of English language teaching both in the US and overseas. She served as a Senior Professional Learning Specialist at WIDA, taught ESL in K–12 public schools, private language schools, and adult education programs. Internationally, she has taught in both Slovakia and South Korea.