Dr. Lydia Escobar ED.D.

Based in Kissimmee, Florida, I am dedicated to supporting the school community with the ESOL program, English Language Learners, and multilingual students for the last 7 years. My role involves providing classroom support, coaching, mentoring, and professional development to ensure the success of multilingual students. I conduct in-service training on ESOL strategies, ensure program compliance with the Florida Consent Decree, and manage referral, placement, testing, and reevaluation processes.  I attend workshops to stay updated on ESOL practices and coordinate the transition of ESOL students between grade levels. I have successfully facilitated training with 100% teacher participation, developed professional opportunities, collaborated on after-school and summer programs, and improved parent participation in the Parent Leadership Council. My efforts have led to significant improvements in student performance and mentoring program participation. 
Prior to my role as an ESOL Education Specialist, I was an English teacher for English Language Learners and multilingual students in the Osceola School District. I develop strategies and practices for teaching English language skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. I tailored practices and strategies to meet the diverse needs of ESOL students and adapted teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles. I fostered an inclusive classroom environment, collaborated with other educators, and maintained communication with parents. Additionally, I ensured compliance with state and district policies, provided extra support for students needing help with language acquisition, integrated technology into lessons, and encouraged student participation in extracurricular activities. I mentored new teachers in strategies and techniques, including language accommodations for ESOL. 
As a result of my dedication and hard work, I was honored as Kissimmee Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2017 and was a finalist among other outstanding educators in Osceola Schools. Prior to this recognition, I was named Middle School Reading Teacher of the Year in 2015 by The Florida Reading Association. Most importantly, I am a strong advocate for best practices in the classroom to promote English language proficiency among multilingual students.

Let's connect and collaborate on creating a brighter future for our multilingual learners! 
#ESOL #Education #MultilingualLearners #ProfessionalDevelopment #StudentSuccess

The ESOL Education Specialist in Osceola County Schools, based in Kissimmee, Florida, is a full-time, on-site role. The specialist supports the principal with ESOL programs, ELL, and multilingual students by providing classroom support, coaching, mentoring, and professional development. They conduct in-service training on ESOL strategies, ensure program compliance with the Florida Consent Decree, and manage the referral, placement, testing, and reevaluation processes. They also serve as the ESOL representative on the LEP Committee, provide resources on ESOL procedures, and conduct language testing. Additionally, they chair ELL Committee meetings, coordinate ESOL forms, liaise between the principal and district ESOL staff, and assist with ESOL student scheduling. The specialist attends workshops to stay updated on ESOL practices and coordinates the transition of ESOL students between grade levels. They have successfully facilitated training with 100% teacher participation, developed professional opportunities, collaborated on after-school and summer programs, and improved parent participation in the Parent Leadership Council. Their efforts have led to significant improvements in student performance and mentoring program participation.

Applied Dissertation on Professional Development and Teachers' Self-Efficacy Regarding Research-based Practices for English Language Learners in Middle School. 

The study examines the effectiveness of these practices in enhancing the educational experience of ELL students and provides insights into the teachers' perceptions of their efficacy. 

Nova Southeastern University offers an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership designed to prepare me for leadership roles in various industries. This program focuses on implementing effective policies, raising achievement standards, and expands the capacity to solve real-world problems. I chose the Applied Dissertation capstone aimed at helping formulate and answer tough questions in educational leadership. 

Skills: Strategic Thinking · Change Management · Ethical Leadership · Research and Analytical Skills · Effective communication.