Angello is a Spanish & ESL teacher at Long Branch High School, and Spanish adjunct professor at Monmouth University. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, he holds a B.A. in Spanish Literature from Montclair State University and a M.A.T. in Spanish with endorsements in ESL and Bilingual/Bicultural education. He has just received his Global Seal of Biliteracy at the Professional Fluency level and we had the opportunity to ask him a few questions about his experience.
What value do you see in the Global Seal of Biliteracy for adults, professionals, and educators?
First, the Global Seal of Biliteracy is a great way to know where we are, and what we lack. As adults/educators, we tend to get comfortable in certain ways to deliver a different language, so with the Global Seal of Biliteracy, we can assess where we are, and how we can improve it. Most importantly, as an adult and educator, we can lead the way of the importance of obtaining the Global Seal of Biliteracy to students. #LeadByExample
How do you see the Global Seal of Biliteracy being valuable to younger students, and why should younger students want to earn this award?
Being bilingual is important, but being a Certified Bilingual tells more. Before I went into Education, I was in senior leadership in Corporate America, specifically in sales. One of the skills we looked for when hiring was the ability to speak a different language, but the question was always how proficient the applicant was. Presenting a certification such as the Global Seal of Biliteracy would be an excellent indicator for an employer to know the value of the applicant. To younger students, the value of receiving a “language credential” during the last year of school can give a sense of leadership in the school community. Also, by doing so, it shares the image that the student has done a great job not to learn a different language, but a different culture as well. Furthermore, having an official certification when the student applies to a college/university can help the applicant reduce costs and have more chances of being accepted.
What if any are the tips for other professionals to earn their Global Seal of Biliteracy?
First of all, the best way for me was to belong to the local/state organization that advocates for World Languages. In New Jersey, FLENJ (Foreign Language Educators of New Jersey), always provides ways to increase professional development to educators. Also, the support that I have from my school district, Long Branch Public Schools, and Monmouth University, has been incredible as their leaders have always looked for ways for teachers to improve.
Angello’s Final Thoughts:
Thanks to the Global Seal of Biliteracy for showcasing this achievement and for the opportunity of sharing my story. I hope this is the beginning for more teachers, and students, to challenge themselves and aim to obtain the Global Seal of Biliteracy. Also, as a former ELL/ESL student, this is a great opportunity for immigrant students, and teachers, to demonstrate that there are many opportunities to succeed in this country when we utilize our native languages, skills, and backgrounds. Gracias!
More About Angello
Angello is a Spanish & ESL teacher at Long Branch High School, and Spanish adjunct professor at Monmouth University. Born and raised in Lima - Peru, he holds a B.A. in Spanish Literature from Montclair State University and a M.A.T. in Spanish with endorsements in ESL and Bilingual/Bicultural education. Currently, he is pursuing an Ed.D. in Leadership from Monmouth University. He has presented as a keynote speaker at the NAPDS national conference and this past FLENJ Summer Conference. He also serves as a Board Member for the T.Thomas Fortune Foundation, and Political Action co-Chair at the NJEA-Preservice. Angello has created the "Student Ambassador Program" at Long Branch High School, which promotes leadership skills through peer-mentoring among ELL students while serving the community. Angello has studied abroad in Madrid, has been a spokesperson for Monmouth University at different national conferences, including in Washington D.C. advocating for current and future educators to state senators and congress members legislators. He loves integrating technology into his classroom. He is a FlipGrid Level 3 Certified Educator, FlipGrid Student Voice Ambassador, and Newsela Certified Educator. Lastly, he has written articles in different educational magazines promoting culture and diversity in the schools.
Angello’s Twitter: @AngelloVillarre
“FLENJ (Foreign Language Educators of New Jersey) is excited to congratulate Angello Villarreal on his achievement of Professional Fluency on the Global Seal of Biliteracy! Angello is an active FLENJ member who volunteers his time and energy to present at our professional development events on such valuable themes as social and emotional well-being and tech applications in the world language classroom. His work ethic and passion for equitable, socially responsible, and effective language instruction are inspiring and his stellar accomplishment on the Global Seal well enhances his commitment to superior world language education. Bravo, Angello! ”