Omar has an extensive academic background and diverse qualifications. In 2016, he completed a Master of Arts in Education with a Multiple Subject Credential and Bilingual Authorization from Chapman University. Before this, in 2007, he earned a Master of Science in Administration and a Clear Administrative Service Credential from Pepperdine University. Continuing his education, he obtained a Clear Designated Subjects Vocational Education Teaching Credential: Full Time from California State University Long Beach in 2006. His educational journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Information and Technology from the Technological Institute of Guzman City, Jalisco, México. Professionally, Omar has held various roles across different educational settings. Since 2023, he has been a Teacher in the Dual Immersion Program for 6th-grade students at Anaheim Elementary School District in Anaheim. From 2013 to 2023, he served as the Coordinator of Educational Services at the Orange County Department of Education in Costa Mesa. Prior to this, from 2007 to 2013, he worked as a Parent Involvement Specialist at Anaheim Elementary School District. Earlier experiences include teaching roles at Capistrano Adult School within the Capistrano Unified School District from 2005 to 2007, and as an Instructional Assistant Technology at Raymond Elementary School in Fullerton School District from 2004 to 2007. He also worked as a Teacher at Abrazar, Inc. Site within the California Charter Academy in Westminster from 2001 to 2004.

Dr. Olga Grimalt’s experience in Dual Language Education spans more than 30 years in both K-12 and higher education. Dr. Grimalt began her career as an elementary bilingual teacher in transitional bilingual programs in Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and later joined Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) where she taught in both transitional and dual immersion programs. Her most recent district position was as Multilingual Services Coordinator in LBUSD overseeing their dual language immersion programs TK-8 and ELD programs K-12. Dr. Grimalt received her Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice from Loyola Marymount University where she became Director of Bilingual Programs/Clinical Associate Faculty. Along with her administrative duties, she also taught courses at LMU related to bilingualism & biliteracy and second language acquisition. In addition to LMU, Dr. Grimalt taught courses at CSULB as Adjunct Faculty. Dr. Grimalt was a founding member of the Association of Two-Way and Dual Language Educators (ATDLE) and currently serves on their advisory board. In 2015, she founded Multilingual Learning Network (MLN) where she provides professional development across the country and in 2022 launched a weekly newsletter for dual language immersion educators called ¡Viva ser bilingüe! Visit MLN at www.multilinguallearning.com.

During her tenure at the National Training Center, Diana achieved significant accomplishments. She certified 25 national trainers and played a key role in developing the GLAD® en español program, which received the prestigious Golden Bell award for its exceptional instructional quality. Her efforts also helped secure a multi-million dollar grant to expand the program statewide in California for three years. Additionally, she facilitated international expansion by partnering with the Sistema Educativo Estatal de Baja California (SEE), establishing a binational partnership that extended the GLAD® en español program to teachers in both the United States and México for three years. Throughout her career, Diana has held various impactful roles in education. She demonstrated strong leadership and administrative skills as Vice Principal at Anaheim Elementary School District. In her position as Project GLAD® Educational Services Coordinator at Orange County Department, she played a vital role in implementing innovative educational programs and services. Furthermore, her experience as a Bilingual Instructional Coach at the San Bernardino City School District showcased her ability to support and mentor educators. Before these roles, she served as a dedicated Classroom Teacher at Hillside Elementary School and Anton Elementary School within the San Bernardino City School District, fostering a nurturing learning environment and positively impacting students’ academic growth and development.

Hilda Escamilla is a 2nd grade Dual language educator in the Chula Vista Elementary School District, with over 25 years of experience, all of which have been in a bilingual or dual language setting. She has worked with providing various professional development to educators and parents in the areas of reading comprehension, classroom environment, writing and much more. Additionally, she has presented in various state and national bilingual conferences where she provided bilingual and dual language educators an opportunity to advance in their own professional careers as educators.

Graciela Flores serves as a fifth-grade TWBI teacher at the Chula Vista Elementary School District. For over 20 years, she has had the privilege of serving and supporting students in elementary education. As a Bilingual Lead Representative for 5th grade at the district level, she collaborates with educators to strengthen instructional practices and promote academic success for all learners. In addition, she serves as a mentor for novice teachers through the district’s induction program, providing guidance and support as they begin their teaching careers. She is passionate about empowering dual language educators and leading professional development focused on program goals, structure, and effective bilingual instruction.

¡Hola colegas! My name is Angélica Sandoval. I teach at Tiffany Elementary as a 2nd-grade dual language educator in the Chula Vista Elementary School District. I have been a bilingual educator for over 27 years. I have worked in various districts: San Diego Unified as a BECA Intern, South Bay Union School District, and Chula Vista Elementary School District. In addition to being a classroom educator, I have been a resource teacher and CVESD Bilingual Lead. I have a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, BCLAD, MA in Critical Pedagogy, Dual Language Immersion Certificate, and an administrative certificate. The 27 years as a Spanish Bilingual Teacher has given me the opportunity to teach in various settings. I have taught primary language classrooms, English language development, dual language immersion, and English instruction to a culturally diverse student population in South San Diego. As a dual language educator, it’s my passion to provide professional development to spread knowledge and awareness. Being a presenter at various conferences has given me the opportunity to network and provide support to dual language educators. It has also given me the opportunity to build long-lasting relationships with my colleagues from different parts of our nation. Dual Language Education is my passion, and I will always be an advocate by not only spreading my knowledge but also learning from others.