NYSABE Elections 2018

Meet the Candidates

Delegate-at-Large Candidate Information

Alicia Báez-Barinas: Director, Division of Multilingual Education, Buffalo CSD

Alicia Báez-Barinas

Candidate for Delegate-at-Large

 

 

Alicia Baez-BarinasQualifications

Alicia Báez-Barinas was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education and Reading with a minor in Spanish from the State University of New York College at Buffalo, she moved to New York City. While in New York she earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an extension in Bilingual Education from Fordham University and a second master’s in School Building and School District Leadership from the College of New Rochelle.

While working in the South Bronx she supported ELL’s as a classroom teacher, literacy/data coach, and as an Assistant Principal. She facilitated numerous professional development opportunities for teachers, implemented an adult ESL program for parents, and supervised Title III Saturday programs. Alicia returned to Buffalo, New York where she worked as an Assistant Principal at City Honors School. Recently appointed as the current Director of Bilingual Education, she confident that she possesses the leadership qualities, passion, dedication, and commitment it takes to continue representing and advocating for the Multilingual learners in New York State.

Philosophy of Bilingual Education and the Mission of NYSABE:

“I believe that children have a right to a quality education where they feel valued, their culture is appreciated, their strengths as students are celebrated, and multicultural education is a significant part of their day. The mission and goals of N YSABE fit in line with my philosophy and I look forward to carrying out this charge for years to come.”

Cynthia J. Felix, Senior Director Bilingual Programs – New York City Schools

Cynthia J. Felix

Candidate for Delegate-at-Large

Respected and highly skilled instructional leader with demonstrated ability in planning, budgeting, coordinating and supervising citywide, districtwide and schoolwide programs. Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with parents, students, teachers, administrators, and community based organizations. Extensive knowledge and understanding of best practices, curriculum, instructional methodologies and program design to support the instructional needs of diverse student populations. Expertise and broad experience with English Language Learners and Special Education.

Philosophy of Bilingual Education and the Mission of NYSABE:

“I believe that we should value and respect the language, culture origins, and group experiences of each student and that bilingualism is an asset. I believe in the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of quality bilingual education programs. I believe in promoting awareness of the rich cultures our students come from and celebrating the diversity of languages they speak. I am committed to increasing educational equity and excellence for students in New York State.”

Wilfredo García: Assistant Principal, Frank A. Sedita Community School, Buffalo CSD

Wilfredo García

Candidate for Delegate-at-Large

 

Wilfredo-GarciaQualifications

Originally from The Bronx, Wilfredo moved to Buffalo where he studied Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology. His passion for teaching and learning led him to pursue degree in bilingual exceptional education. As a bilingual special education teacher in the Buffalo Public Schools, he was a staunch advocate for the rights of his students, ensuring that they received the services and resources to which they were entitled. Wilfredo served for two years as a Bilingual Special Education Specialist with the Mid-West Regional Special Education Technical Assistance Support Center (RSE-TASC). During this time, he provided professional development and guidance on improving outcomes for ELLs with disabilities in and around Rochester. He then served as the Supervisor of Bilingual and ENL Programs in the Buffalo Public Schools where he was primarily charged with refining, strengthening and expanding the District’s bilingual programs. Wilfredo currently serves as an Assistant Principal at Frank A. Sedita Community School.

 
Philosophy of Bilingual Education and the Mission of NYSABE:

 

“I believe that language, learning, and culture are inextricably linked. It is our reasonability to help the multilingual learners across the state capitalize on their strengths and experiences as they develop the potential that lies within.
 
I have served NYSABE in various capacities over the last 15 years. Most recently as a Delegate- at-Large and Membership Chairperson.
Maite (María Teresa) Sánchez, Assistant Professor of Bilingual Education - Hunter College, City University of New York

Maite (María Teresa) Sánchez

Candidate for Delegate-at-Large

 

Maite (María Teresa) SánchezQualifications

I have been a NYSABE member since 2011 and a member of the Delegate’s Assembly since 2014. I am committed and active member of this organization. Since I joined the Delegate Assembly, I have worked collaborative with other members of NYSABE to help achieve its (advocacy, professional development, leadership). For the past three years, I have also served in the capacity of Treasurer helping the organization to continue to maintain financial transparency and solidity. I have also worked as the Chair of the Conference’s Registration Committee ensuring that the registration process is organized and easy to use.

 
Philosophy of Bilingual Education and the Mission of NYSABE:

 

“I’m passionate about bilingual education and supporting the education of language minoritized students. I currently work with pre-service and in-service bilingual education teachers at Hunter College and conduct research on bilingual education policies and practices. I have12 years of experience working in projects that highlights policies and practices that help improve the educational experiences of bilingual students. I strongly believe in the importance of NYSABE’s mission and its collective capacity to work with policy makers and practitioners in New York to ensure that policies and school practices support quality education for bilingual students, further develop of their bi/multilingualism and biliteracy, and fight against discrimination that these students and their families receive.”
Claire Sylvan, Internationals Network for Public Schools – Senior Strategic Advisor

Maite (María Teresa) Sánchez

Candidate for Delegate-at-Large

 

Claire-SylvanQualifications

I have served for almost a decade as a member of the delegate assembly, at times on the executive board. I have founded and built a nonprofit organization, after more than a quarter of a century serving multilingual learners in the largest public school district in the country (NYC).

 
Philosophy of Bilingual Education and the Mission of NYSABE:

 

New York State is blessed to be the gateway to peoples who speak a wide variety of other languages before they arrive in our state from hundreds of countries as well as Puerto Rico and other geographies with US citizens who are speakers of home languages other than English. The children of these communities have a legal and moral right to education that builds on the amazing linguistic, cultural, social and community strengths. Bilingual education takes many forms. As long as the students, with the support of the educators & schools that serve them. are able to use, develop and take pride in their languages, including indigenous, creole and other languages, as well as languages presently used in schooling in their home countries, they will succeed and reach their dreams. NYSABE works to provide advocacy for policies that enhance these opportunities, networking opportunities for professionals and community members, leadership and professional development to the communities of multilingual learners and all those who serve them or join their struggle for educational equity.