Spokane Public Schools’ Support for Children and Families in Immigrant Communities

LWVSA’s Immigration Committee has invited Heather Richardson, Director of English Language Development for Spokane Public Schools, to speak. In this work, Heather Richardson creates opportunities for multilingual learners to develop language proficiency. Over the course of her career, Heather has focused on supporting immigrant and refugee families from more than 100 countries. She has coordinated the placement of cultural exchange students and has provided statewide professional development in language acquisition and writing instruction.

The first 15 years of Heather's career were spent in California, where she
taught grades K–6 and worked as a Content-Based Sheltered Instruction
teacher and ELD teacher in an Asian Desegregation and Integration (D&I)
Language Magnet program. Heather also served as a Program Facilitator for
categorical programs, overseeing state and federal initiatives, managing a
21st Century after-school grant, and developing curriculum for
multilingual learners.

She has coached teachers, led intensive intervention programs, and taught
adult English learners. 

Heather earned her *B.A. in Multiple Subjects and Political Science* from
the *University of Redlands*, an *M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction*
from *Claremont University*, and an *M.A. in Educational Administration*
from *California State University, San Bernardino*.

Hosted by the Civics Education and the Immigration Committees