Celebrating Excellence in English Language Development!
The NCDPI ML/Title III Team is thrilled to spotlight the English Language Development (ELD) Recognition Award (ERA)—launched in 2023–2024 to honor outstanding ESL educators across North Carolina who go above and beyond in advancing multilingual learner success!
Congratulations to Elsie R. Maurice, teacher and department chair at South Academy of International Languages (SAIL) in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools! Ms. Maurice has been recognized not only for her unwavering dedication to academic excellence, but also for her remarkable leadership that strengthens the entire school community.
Ms. Maurice has created a welcoming environment where every student feels seen, heard, and supported. As David Flores, CMS Learning and Language Acquisition Director, shared in her nomination:
“Ms. Maurice’s track record of impact is exceptional. Under her facilitation, Cochrane Collegiate Academy more than doubled its ACCESS test exit goal in 2023–24—a reflection of her strategic vision and deep commitment to student achievement. At SAIL, she skillfully tailors instruction to support language development while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Her many honors—including the CMS EL Star Award, Community Impact Award, and the student-nominated RAM’S Choice Award for Most Organized Teacher—are a testament to her extraordinary leadership and the lasting impact she has on students and staff alike.”
Ms. Maurice will be officially recognized at a North Carolina State Board of Education meeting.
Honorable Mentions
While Ms. Maurice receives the official award this year, we are equally proud to recognize two exceptional educators as honorable mentions—both of whom exemplify the passion, innovation, and dedication that define excellence in multilingual learner education.
Jen Painter – Durham Public Schools
Ms. Painter is a passionate advocate for her students, known for creating language-rich environments where multilingual learners thrive. Her innovative instructional strategies and commitment to her students have made her a trusted leader among colleagues and a champion for student voice.
Sandra Soto – Lee County Schools
Ms. Soto brings warmth, creativity, and unwavering dedication to her work with multilingual learners. She is deeply respected by students and families for her teaching and her ability to build strong relationships that support language growth and confidence. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, where she serves as a mentor to new teachers and a bridge-builder between school and community.
The NCDPI ML/Title III Team applauds these inspiring educators who lead with heart, excellence, and innovation. We can’t wait to launch next year’s ERA application and continue celebrating those who elevate multilingual learner education across the state!
|
Get Ready for the Growing Success for MLs Summer Conference in Chatham County!
Thank you Asheville County Schools for making the West site such an impactful experience for our participants!
The East conference site in Chatham County is shaping up to be equally exciting! This is more than a conference — it’s an experience! There is still time to join passionate educators, visionary leaders, and changemakers as we explore powerful strategies, hands-on tools, and innovative practices that center multilingual learners and foster leadership.
Let’s come together to honor every language, elevate every voice, and empower every learner. Let’s build bridges, break barriers, and lead with passion.
Haven’t signed up yet?
|
Powerful Sessions You Won’t Want to Miss!
🔥 Writing Excellence – Elevate writing instruction through collaborative, standards-based practices that deliver results.
🧠 Project GLAD® – Walk away with ready-to-use strategies that boost engagement and comprehension for multilingual learners.
📚 Talking to the Text – Learn powerful annotation techniques that work for all students, across content areas.
🧒 Hands-On ML Instruction for Early Learners – Get practical tools to nurture your youngest multilingual students from day one.
🏫 From the Ground Up – Learn what it takes to launch a high school DL/I program that sticks.
🎤 Listening to Newcomer Voices – Empower students through storytelling, ambassadorship, and authentic connection.
🤖 ML + MTSS Support Hub Powered by AI – Personalize support with cutting-edge tech tools tailored for ML success.
🏗️ Barriers to Bridges – Rethink lesson design to remove obstacles and open doors for every multilingual learner.
📊 From Fs and Ds to 4s and 3s – Master standards-based grading and instruction that transforms outcomes.
🎨 Interactive ELD with the Big Book – Make language learning fun, visual, and interactive.
💡 PLUS:
-
AI-Assisted Differentiation
-
SWRL into Academic Language
-
Empowering MLs for Honors Courses
-
Boosting Literacy
-
Designing ESL Curriculum from Standards
-
Digital Teaching & Learning for MLs
-
Creating Math Resource Folders
-
Practical Newcomer Support Strategies
- Chat & Chew: DL/I in NC
And Many More!
Plus, we're honored to welcome Education Consultants from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI)—experts across a variety of content areas—who will guide engaging sessions full of ready-to-implement strategies.
Bonus: Participants can move freely between the Growing Success for MLs Conference and The Standards Academy—double the learning, double the impact! The Office of Teaching and Learning receives many requests from the field for standards-based professional development. During these sessions, participants will be guided through all content area standards, from unpacking to instructional practices. These sessions aim to provide new and veteran educators with a deeper understanding of the Standard Course of Study. In addition, sessions will be provided pertaining to Exceptional Children, Honors Level Coursework, Digital Teaching and Learning, and CTE.
🚀 Don’t miss your chance to:
✅ Connect with fellow passionate educators
✅ Gain practical tools to boost success for MLs
✅ Be part of a movement that’s reshaping classrooms for multilingual learners
📖 Need the conference brochure? Click here to view it!
Connect with the NCDPI Multilingual Learner/Title III Team!
ESLTitleIII@dpi.nc.gov
Twitter: @NCDPI_MLs #NCMLs #NCELD
NCDPI ELD Web Page | ELD Standards Resource Hub
The links on this page will bring you to third party websites, owned and operated by independent parties over which NCDPI has no control. Any link you make to or from these 3rd Party Websites will be at your own risk. Any use of these 3rd Party Websites and any information you provide will be subject to and governed by the terms of the 3rd Party Website, including those relating to confidentiality, data privacy, and security.
Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing, NCDPI is not in any way associated with the owner or operator of any of the 3rd Party Websites or responsible or liable for the goods and services offered by them or for anything in connection with such 3rd Party Websites. NCDPI does not endorse and makes no warranties, representations or undertakings relating to the content of any 3rd Party Website.
|
