Connecting Content and Academic Language for English Learners and Struggling Students, Grades 26

About Patricia VelascoRuth Swinney

Ruth Swinney is a native of Colombia S.A. She started her career as a bilingual teacher in New York City. In 1984 she founded one of the first dual language programs in New York City in PS 84 and subsequently became director of bilingual and dual language programs for a large District in NYC. In this role she supervised bilingual and ESL programs and developed seven model dual language programs for the District. When she became principal PS 165 (Manhattan) she set up a nationally recognized dual language program at the same time that she turned around one of the bottom schools in the city. She has won numerous awards for her work with second language learners and for her achievements as a principal. After retiring she worked with the Reading and Writing Project at Teachers College Columbia University heading the principal work and the ELL department. Currently she works as a consultant. Patricia Velasco started her career as a speech pathologist in Mexico City. After finishing her EdD in the United States she established a Staff Development Institute (Casa de la Ciencia) that works with indigenous bilingual children and their teachers in San Cristobal de las Casas Chiapas Mexico . After she moved to New York City she first worked for the Reading and Writing Project at Teachers College Columbia University as a staff developer supporting teachers all across New York City in addressing the literacy and language needs of English language learners. In addition she was part of the faculty at Teachers College Columbia University. Currently she is Assistant Professor of Education at Queens College City University of New York where she coordinates the Bilingual Program.