Kavita Mahendra’s Journey from Hyderabad, India to ESL Excellence in the U.S.

Navigating and Embracing India’s Linguistic Mosaic

In our conversation, Kavita fondly reminisced about her upbringing in Hyderabad, India, a cosmopolitan city teeming with cultural vibrancy. Growing up amidst diverse traditions and languages, Kavita shares how her upbringing shaped her perspective on language and identity. With over 30 languages spoken across different states, Kavita paints a vivid picture of the linguistic tapestry.

The Power of Home Languages

One of the key insights Kavita shares is the significance of maintaining home languages within ELL communities. Drawing from her own experiences, she underscores the emotional connection and sense of belonging that home languages provide. Kavita advocates for the preservation of students’ cultural identities through the continued use of their native languages, highlighting the profound impact it has on their educational journey.

Transitioning to ESL Excellence

Kavita’s journey from India to the U.S. marked a pivotal transition in her career as an educator. She shares the challenges and triumphs she encountered along the way, from unlearning old teaching methodologies to adapting to the nuances of ESL instruction in a new cultural context. Her dedication to empowering educators and supporting ELL students shines through as she reflects on her experiences teaching ESL endorsement classes and spearheading ESL initiatives in her school district.

Tips for ELL Educators

For fellow ESL educators, Kavita offers valuable insights and advice gleaned from her years of experience. She emphasizes the importance of visibility in the school building, community connections, and personalized student support in fostering a conducive learning environment for ELLs.