Lisa Estrada

Former Supervisor of World Languages and English as a Second Language
Hicksville UFSD 

In response to the significant barriers that Hispanic students need to overcome, Lisa Estrada brought the nationally acclaimed Latinos in Action (LIA) program to the Hicksville UFSD. LIA is recognized by the White House Initiative on Excellence in Hispanic Education for empowering Latino students to lead and strengthen their communities through college and career readiness. Thanks to Ms. Estrada, Hicksville was the first school district on Long Island and the second in New York State to bring LIA into its curriculum.

She initiated a bilingual Spanish elementary program at the kindergarten level and expanded it into a bilingual K-3 elementary program. In addition to the bilingual program, Ms. Estrada developed an elementary-level foreign language program for grades 3-5. Ms. Estrada also created an integrated co-teaching model for English Language Arts (ELA) and English as a New Language (ENL) at all grade levels.

In an effort to increase parental involvement, Ms. Estrada worked with the district’s supervisor of guidance to co-organize the Parent and Student University (PSU) for English Language Learners (ELLs) and their families. The PSU fosters collaboration and communication between educators and parents, increasing parental involvement through workshops and by providing resources to families of ELLs.

Ms. Estrada’s Puerto Rican heritage makes her an excellent role model for Spanish-speaking students, providing a concrete example of what can be accomplished through hard work, determination, and the courage to seize the opportunities presented to you.

She is the recipient of the Outstanding Long Island ESOL Administrator of the Year Award from the Long Island Professional Committee on English to Speakers of Other Languages Education. She has contributed to numerous publications on ESL education and best instructional practices for ELLs. She has shared her considerable expertise with a wide range of educators through workshops and presentations at regional, national and international conferences.