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 Sept. 29, 2025
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Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Kentucky Department of Education’s English Learning Educator Connect newsletter. Each quarter we’ll share upcoming opportunities, key dates and new resources, and celebrate successes in English language development across Kentucky.
We encourage you to share this newsletter with your teachers and colleagues to help grow our multilingual learning community of support.
Virtual Office Hours
We are pleased to announce our monthly virtual office hours, designed to connect with district leaders and provide ongoing support for the success of multilingual learners. Leaders may join live or access archived portions of each month’s presentation at their convenience.
Tuesday, Oct. 14 - GMAP Technical Support
Led by Brandy Neal and Kaiman Triplett, KDE’s Office of Continuous Improvement and Support
If you have questions and/or need support completing the Title III application, please join us for one of the sessions below. These sessions will be “virtual open house” style, and you can drop in for support at any time during the morning or afternoon sessions.
Wednesday, Nov. 5 - Instructional Practices to Prepare for WIDA ACCESS
Led by Will Spalding, KDE's Office of Teaching and Learning
Support classroom teachers with simple, effective strategies to integrate language practice into daily instruction.
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In-Person WIDA Workshops
Join KDE in Lexington for two impactful professional learning opportunities focused on supporting multilingual learners in secondary grades:
Location: Embassy Suites, Lexington
Time: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. ET
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Writing with Multilingual Learners in the Secondary Grades
- Dates: Tuesday, Sept. 30 and Wednesday, Oct. 1
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Engaging Secondary Newcomers in Content Area Literacy
Explore WIDA Secure Portal
The WIDA Secure Portal is your gateway to essential tools and training for supporting ELs. Inside, you'll find on-demand learning modules, certification for WIDA Screener and ACCESS, and a variety of resources to strengthen your English Language Development programs.
If someone in your district needs an account, please contact your building assessment coordinator to submit a request.
Meet the Cross-Agency Team
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Chris Williams is a program consultant in the Office of Assessment and Accountability (OAA). Chris has been with the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) for 20 years, working on EL assessments, accountability and the Student Rosters and Review (SDRR) application. She provides EL support to school and district staff through communications and trainings. |
Will Spalding is the newest member of the KDE team, serving in the newly established role of multilingual learner specialist through the Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL). With experience as a district EL programs leader and administrator in Warren County Public Schools, Will supports instructional planning and EL program development by partnering with regional cooperatives and districts to address questions, strengthen practices and enhance services for multilingual learners. |
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Brandy Neal has been with KDE since January 2023, serving as a program consultant for Title I, Part A, and Title III for the Office of Continuous Improvement and Support (OCIS). Her background includes 20 years of experience as a PK-3 teacher and an assistant principal. Brandy provides statewide technical assistance and support for Titles I and III. |
Kaiman Triplett has been with KDE since October 2022, serving as a Title III consultant for the Office of Continuous Improvement and Support (OCIS). Her background includes experience as a K-2 teacher, literacy specialist and K-5 instructional coach. She provides statewide technical assistance and support for core EL programs and Title III grants. |
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Windy Spalding is a data analyst and manager with KDE’s Office of Continuous Improvement and Support (OCIS). She leads data collection and reporting for English learner and immigrant students and programs. Windy also provides guidance and technical assistance to districts and KDE teams to ensure high-quality data and appropriate services and accommodations for students. |
Melissa Whalen joined KDE in February 2025 and serves as the English learner students with disabilities (ELSWD) and exceptional children consultant in the Guidance and Support Branch of the Division of IDEA Implementation and Preschool. She brings experience as a teacher of students with moderate and severe disabilities, learning and behavior disorders, and preschoolers, and provides statewide technical assistance to district staff and families of students with disabilities. |
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