About us - WMBH
Mission
The Western Massachusetts Bilingual Hub provides bilingual and dual language teachers preparation; supports the implementation of research-based bilingual and dual language programs and praxis as the reflection and action on transformative practices; and sustains bilingualism and multiculturalism for equity, inclusion, and social justice.
Vision
Bilingualism and multiculturalism benefit students in various ways, including cognitive development, social and emotional growth, educational opportunities, and employment prospects.
Values
The values of the Western Massachusetts Bilingual Hub are timeless and seldom change.
Respect | Multiculturalism | Honesty | Equity |
Responsibility | Multilingualism | Integrity | Advocacy |
Strategic Priorities
The Western Massachusetts Bilingual Hub has three main strategic priorities.
- Professional Development, Mentorship, Recruitment, and Retention: Provide support services in the systematic and strategic implementation of instructional methods that promote bilingualism and multiculturalism, including professional development, collaboration, and networking opportunities for educators who teach diverse student populations.
- Research and Data Analysis: Disseminate continuous research that builds and expands on the current knowledge base of bilingual education and dual-language programs.
- Curriculum and Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation: Provide consultation services in the systematic and strategic implementation of instructional methods that promote bilingualism and multiculturalism and support districts navigating policies at the regional, state, and federal levels that address bilingualism and multiculturalism.
The Western Massachusetts Bilingual Hub accomplishes these priorities by:
- Providing bilingual and dual language teachers preparation
- Supporting the implementation of research-based bilingual and dual-language programs
- Promotes critical consciousness praxis as the reflection and action on transformative practices
- Sustaining bilingualism and multiculturalism for equity, inclusion, and social justice
- Supporting districts navigating policies at the regional, state, and federal levels that address bilingualism/biliteracy and multiculturalism
- Providing professional development in the systematic and strategic implementation of instructional methods that promote high academic achievement in both program languages
- Providing professional development, collaboration, and networking opportunities for educators who teach linguistically diverse student populations
- Guiding districts as they organize activities with families and communities to foster sociocultural competence among language learners
- Disseminating continuous research findings that builds and expands on the current knowledge base of bilingual education and dual language programs
Benefits of the Bilingual Hub:
- Strong relationships among districts, DLE experts, and professional organizations
- Opportunities for evidence-based professional development via UMass resources
- Experienced and committed leadership and staff personnel
- Multicultural and multilingual leadership and staff personnel
- Leadership and staff personnel with expansive knowledge and expertise in PreK–12 DLE
- Research-based consultation services
- Evidence-based professional development
- Value-driven organization
- Community involvement and input
- Excellent communication and accountability