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Goodbye & Thank You, Charo! 

MAEC says, “gracias y adios” to one of our long-term English Learners aficionados. Read a segment of Charo’s interview here:

Interviewer:

28 years is a long time to work anywhere! What kept you at MAEC?

Charo:

I have asked that question myself many times. I think that having independence to focus on issues that are important to me, like English Learners. Being able to publish and edit books and articles, but most importantly, seeing the impact of my work on the people that I care about so much. 

Interviewer:

Can you tell me about an “aha” moment you had that inspired or reminded you of why you’ve committed your life’s work to education equity?

Charo:

Well, I captured this feeling on many occasions. One in particular is the power of getting very close with your client. One in particular had students who didn’t want to speak English — they revolted! So I was called to see how that situation could be resolved. I spoke directly with the students and collected data in a way that was meaningful. But most importantly, I shared the results with the assistant principal and the most amazing thing for me was that I wrote recommendations and she implemented all of them. That has never happened, you know? Sometimes people choose one or the other, but she implemented all the recommendations. It made me feel great to have been able to help her!

Most amazing for me was that the results were extraordinary. You know, the students of course moving from, “We don’t want to be speaking English,” to being part of the leadership and speaking with the principal, having their voices heard. Having the ESL department restructured completely, having the students pass the state test.

Interviewer:

Is there a program at MAEC that has a special place in your heart? Can you tell me why it stands out for you?

Charo:

English Learners and early childhood education. Evaluation as well. But I started working in English Learners, so it’s very special to me. It’s part of who I am, it’s part of my DNA. You know?

Interviewer:

When you reflect on all of your many experiences that you’ve had at MAEC, what will you take with you when you shut down your laptop for the last time as Vice President?

Charo:

You’re going to make me have tears in my eyes. I think that working with parents and my children. You know? Having that opportunity. But I will continue to do it, but knowing that this is the last time that I’m going to have a meeting with staff for the English Learners, or evaluation, or knowing that it’s the last time that I’m going to do it as a staff member of MAEC, that’s going to be hard.