MLE students at work

Multilingual Learner Education

Welcome!   ¡Bienvenido!   Bem-Vindo!   Byenvini!

Mission and Vision

The MLE department oversees the implementation of equitable and effective programming and services for multilingual learners and their families in Somerville from initial identification through reclassification. Our department’s core focus areas are to:

  • Provide effective, research-based curriculum, instruction, and assessment designed to build on students’ assets 
  • Develop and support educators and leaders via professional learning, collaborative structures, and career pathways
  • Partner with families throughout their students’ educational experience

Our Students

Data map of school languages

*The data in the map above is from March 2023. 

Programs for Multilingual Learners

MLE flowchart of programs

About Our Bilingual Programs

Our K-8 Dual Language Program is housed at the East Somerville Community School. Click for more information: UNIDOS Program Informational Slideshow.

The Sonrisa program is a bilingual prekindergarten classroom located at the Arthur D. Healey School for four-year-old students from families who speak Spanish. Please visit the Early Education Public Preschool Programs website to learn more.

MLE Newsletters

Read our Newsletters. MLE monthly newsletters highlights features of our programs and the work of our students and teachers. 

STAFF

Paulina Mitropoulos, MLE Director 
Dr. Gladys Valle, MLE Assistant Director
Stephanie Bielagus, MLE Department Chair, SHS
Antonella D'Eramo, MLE Curriculum and Instruction Specialist
Christine Brito, Unidos Program Specialist
Erika Da Silva, MLE Assessment and Placement Specialist
Marycruz Somes, GOAL Program Specialist
Erica Martinez, MLE Principal Clerk / Administrative Assistant

Family Information

Please visit the Family Information page

Partnerships

Enroot

Enroot is a community-based organization serving multilingual learners in the Somerville Public Schools with out-of-school time opportunities for mentoring, leadership development, and internships with the goal of empowering students to fulfill their own American Dream.

Lesley Teaching Residency

Somerville Public Schools partners with Lesley University to host a year-long residency for aspiring early childhood and elementary teachers of multilingual learners. We welcome Lesley students as they learn to be become culturally and linguistically responsive educators. Learn more about the Lesley University ESL Teacher Preparation program.

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

For enrollment information for any of our programs, please contact the Enrollment Office.