Research-Based Strategies for English Language Learners

Denise Rea was the Director of Multiple Subjects for Fresno Pacific University. She taught the primary grades in bilingual and English immersion classes, and worked as a teacher educator and literacy coach. She taught elementary student-teaching candidates language and literacy methodology, where she embedded strategies for working with English language learners and Title I students in her instruction.

Dr. Sandra Mercuri is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas, Brownsville. She has over 18 years of experience in teaching in Argentina and the United States in K-12 schools and at the college level. She teaches courses in bilingual education and biliteracy and is working on research on the development of academic language across the content areas, the role of language in the development of scientific literacy and the effect of long-term professional development for teachers of English learners. She provides training for teachers nationwide and presents at national and international conferences on issues of second language acquisition and bilingualism, dual language education, teacher training and ESL strategies. Dr. Mercuri has also published articles in professional journals about bilingual learners and the application of second language theories into classroom practice in the TESOL Quarterly, Talking Points, EJLTS and the NABE journal as well as professional journals in Spanish such as GIST. Dr. Mercuri is the author of the book titled Supporting Literacy Through Science. She has also co-authored the books Closing the Achievement Gap and Dual Language Essentials with Drs. Yvonne and David Freeman and Research-based Strategies for English Language Learners with Denise Rea. Dr. Mercuri a native of Argentina is a fluent speaker of Spanish.