A Manual for Prek-12 American Public Schools
The American & the Latin American school systems are quite different. As it would happen to any immigrant, if no one guides the Latinx newcomer parents during their transition to an American school, they are likely to go through a culture shock and end up feeling frustrated and resentful. Or in need of lots of clarification.
Meeting early with Latinx newcomer parents can make a difference to a newcomer student, to the family, and to the school staff who serves them.
Interview cues and phrases in Latin American Spanish that will make parents feel welcomed, heard, and supported with a "cultural translation" for a better understanding of the differences between the American and the Latinx public school system.
A guide for logging interview notes that will keep administrators, teachers and mental health counselors informed.
Instructions for follow-up interviews for better parent engagement.
What to do with traumatic information disclosed by the parent.
An updated overview of the situation in Latin America and the challenges faced by newcomer families.
Proven strategies based on interviewing techniques and cross-cultural communication.
¡El manual que el personal bilingüe ha estado esperando!
Audio Resources in Spanish
About the author
Michelle Remond (she/her) was born and raised in Mexico City. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies and a Master's in History, both from the renowned Universidad Iberoamericana, a Jesuit college.
Michelle is a member of the National Latinx Psychological Association, and obtained her Level 1 Clinical Trauma Professional Training Certificate. She has used this certification to volunteer in her community as a trained grief companion.
Her work as Community Liaison at the Redwood City School District (California) has allowed her to develop the method to the Latinx Newcomers Interview for Community School Coordinators, meeting with hundreds of parents as Facilitator while listening to testimonies of immigration and trauma. In addition to her knowledge of Latin American sociology and cultural sensitivity, she brings to the table her own experience as former middle school teacher at her home country, and as an immigrant parent navigating the PreK-12 American public school system.
The passion for Spanish language has led her to self-publish four books of short stories and poetic prose, most of them about immigration and grief.
www.linkedin.com/in/michelleremond
© Michelle Remond, 2022. All rights reserved.