Dr. Sonia Nieto

Dr. Sonia Nieto

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Dr. Sonia Nieto, Professor Emerita of Language, Literacy and Culture at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, is a luminary in the field of multicultural and multilingual education.

Her numerous books and publications have been used widely by teachers and teacher educators, and her many awards include the Governor's Award in Humanities from Mass Humanities and induction into the Multilingual Education Hall of Fame. Her memoir is entitled Brooklyn Dreams: My Life in Public Education. Among her many activities, Dr. Nieto is a member of the Young at Heart chorus in Western Massachusetts.

In this interview with Colorín Colorado, Dr. Nieto talks about growing up in Brooklyn and the memorable educational experiences that would one day shape and inform her research interests. She also offers tips for educators of multilingual students and words of encouragement for today's teachers.

Resources for Professional Learning

These videos will make great additions to ELL professional development and teacher training! To help get you started, we have created a slide show with all of the video clips and related discussion questions, featured below.

Growing Up in Brooklyn

Dr. Sonia Nieto talks about growing up in Brooklyn, NY, shares stories about her parents and siblings, and reflects on the message she would give to young Sonia today.

My Father's Bodega
Finding Special Photos of My Father
The Challenges My Mother Faced
Memories from Our School Days
What I Would Say to Young Sonia

Early Experiences with Language

Dr. Sonia Nieto talks about her early experiences with language, such as entering school without speaking English and, once she learned English, becoming a translator for her mother. She also talks about the value of maintaining the home language and how language and culture are connected.

When I Couldn't Find the Words I Needed
The Advice My Mother Ignored
How I Helped Our Family When the Heat Was Turned Off
Challenging Assumptions That Others Made About Me
How Losing the Home Language Can Affect Family Relationships
The Connection Between Language and Culture

My Life in Education

Dr. Sonia Nieto talks about her path from a hardworking student and avid reader to becoming a teacher and teacher educator. She also recalls the difficulties of her first year as a teacher and offers words of encouragement for teachers in today's classrooms.

Why Libraries and Books Are So Important to Me
When I Realized I Wanted to Become a Teacher
How I Became a Teacher Educator
The Support I Received as a New Teacher
Words of Encouragement for Today's Teachers

Teaching Multilingual Learners

Dr. Sonia Nieto offers words of advice for educators of English learners and multilingual learners, as well as tips for celebrating students' cultures and welcoming families. In addition, she highlights the expertise of ELL and bilingual educators, which can often be overlooked within their school settings.

Teaching Multilingual Learners: Who are your students?
Learning a Few Words in Your Students’ Languages
Recognizing the Expertise of ELL and Bilingual Educators
How Schools Can Welcome Multilingual Families
What is culturally responsive instruction?
Do students see themselves in the curriculum?

Professional Learning

This Colorín Colorado slide show features our interview with Dr. Sonia Nieto and can be used for professional development sessions. Please share attribution to Colorín Colorado. 

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