S13/E8: Personalizing professional learning with Rocío Figueroa

S13/E8: Personalizing professional learning with Rocío Figueroa

Author: Ellevation Education November 19, 2024 Duration: 36:09

In this episode of Highest Aspirations, Sandra sits down with Rocío Figueroa, Senior Instructional Content Manager at Ellevation, to explore how personalized professional development can transform teaching and learning for English learners. Drawing from her diverse experiences as a teacher, instructional coach, administrator, and consultant, Rocío shares practical strategies for tailoring professional learning to meet the unique needs of educators across content areas and grade levels.

They discuss the power of data-driven approaches to PD, the value of leveraging internal expertise within schools, and the importance of building collaborative teacher communities. As a speaker at Ellevation’s upcoming IMPACT Conference, Rocío offers a preview of her session, which focuses on creating actionable and meaningful learning opportunities that empower educators to better support their multilingual students.


Resister for IMPACT Conference 2024

For additional episode and community resources:

  • Download the ⁠transcript here⁠.

  • For additional free resources geared toward supporting English learners,⁠ ⁠visit our blog⁠ 

  • To expand your connection within the Ellevation community by join our⁠ ⁠Ellevation Educator Facebook Group⁠.


    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
    Centering indigenous voices in education with Georgina Owen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

    Duration: 27:47
    In this episode of Highest Aspirations, Sandra Medrano-Arroyo speaks with Georgina Owen, Indian Education Coordinator at the Colorado Department of Education, about advancing authentic and equitable education for Native…
    Effective coaching for teachers of English learners with Paula Polk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

    Duration: 28:41
    In this episode of Highest Aspirations, Sandra Medrano-Arroyo speaks with Paula Polk about her journey from classroom teacher to language coach and district leader. Paula shares insights on coaching with integrity, empat…
    Organizing a summer newcomer program with Sarah Whitfield [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

    Duration: 34:13
    In this episode of Highest Aspirations, we speak with Sarah Whitfield, an ML Instructional Specialist, about the summer Newcomer Academy she directs. Sarah shares the intentional structure of the program, which is design…
    Creating authentic learning experiences for ELs with Dr. Carol Salva [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

    Duration: 35:38
    Season 15 of Highest Aspirations begins with Dr. Carol Salva, author of Boosting Achievement. In this episode, Dr. Salva shares updated strategies from the new edition of her book designed to support English learners, ne…
    Igniting real change for English learners with Carly Spina [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

    Duration: 40:01
    This episode of Highest Aspirations features Carly Spina, an author and passionate advocate for English learners, as she shares her inspiring journey and groundbreaking work.Join us to hear how Carly's upbringing profoun…
    Connecting with students from hard places with Elise White Diaz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

    Duration: 54:40
    Elise White Diaz, a passionate advocate for trauma-informed multilingual education, joins Highest Aspirations to discuss practical strategies for connecting with and supporting students who have experienced trauma or com…