TREASURER

Kelly Alvarez' career reflects her deep commitment to supporting Latino and English Learner (EL) students. Her journey began as a dual-language teacher in San Antonio, Texas, where she provided foundational academic support to Latino students through immersive Spanish instruction, enhancing their linguistic and content skills.

From there, Kelly moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she served as a First Grade Bilingual Teacher at Lincoln International Studies School. Her focus on individualized instruction for Spanish-speaking students helped maintain high academic standards in both English and Spanish, fostering a rigorous and supportive classroom environment.

Kelly's career advanced as she took on the role of Principal at El Sol Elementary, a dual immersion school in Kalamazoo. Leading a culturally diverse and multilingual student body, she championed bilingual education through a 50/50 immersion program. Her leadership led to the implementation of Positive Behavior Support systems and the creation of Professional Learning Communities, which were instrumental in promoting academic success and supporting Latino students.

Currently, Kelly is an English Learner Consultant for the Michigan Department of Education, where she manages over $60 million in funding. She approaches this responsibility with meticulous attention to compliance with state, federal, and civil rights laws, playing a crucial role in enhancing EL programming through professional development and collaboration. Her work in building networks for newcomer and dual-language programs has had a profound impact on Latino students across Michigan.

Through each of these roles, Kelly Alvarez has made significant strides in improving academic outcomes and fostering inclusivity for Latino and bilingual students. Her career is a reflection of her deep-seated passion for education and her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of her students.