Episode 8
Kerlan Kim, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist at Downey Unified School District (CA)

Creating Inclusive Schools for Deaf & HoH Students

In Episode 8 of The Language Access Lectern, Mark Byrne sits down with Deaf/HoH educator, Kerlan Kim, to discuss how schools can better support Deaf and Hard of Hearing students through meaningful language access, language acquisition strategies, and inclusive programs — like ASL clubs. Their conversation highlights practical steps educators and districts can take to build more equitable and culturally responsive learning environments.

Episode 7
Dr. Ashley Crown, Student Services Coordinator at Libertyville District 70

Supporting Multilingual Learners in Special Education

In Episode 7 of The Language Access Lectern, Dr. Ashley Crown, Student Services Coordinator at Libertyville District 70, joins Mark to discuss how meaningful parent engagement influences student outcomes, academic growth, social-emotional learning, and classroom behavior. Together, they explore how implementing comprehensive language access plans empowers parents and strengthens school communities.

Episode 6
Brian Birnbaum, Birnbaum Interpreting Services

In Episode 6 of The Language Access Lectern, stepping up to the lectern is Brian Birnbaum, CEO of Birnbaum Interpreting Services (BIS). Brian speaks about the ins and outs of implementing and delivering sign language interpreting services in K-12 schools, his upbringing as a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), how he eventually followed in his father’s footsteps taking the reins of BIS, the evolution of deaf accessibility services, the many nuances in sign language, and how COVID-19 increased virtual delivery of sign language interpreting services.

Episode 5
Jose Torres, Baltimore City Public Schools

In Episode 5 of The Language Access Lectern, Mark Byrne welcomes Jose Torres, an ESOL teacher with Baltimore City Public Schools. Jose found that the textbooks he was using to teach English learners the English language were lacking so he took it upon himself to write his own textbook. Join us as we discuss his inspiration, his process, using data to do evidence based research, and his advice for other teachers looking to self-publish or share their work with peers.

Episode 4
Mireya Perez, Arlington Public Schools

In Episode 4 of The Language Access Lectern, stepping up to the lectern this time is our very own Mark Byrne. Mark was featured as a guest on the Brand the Interpreter podcast, hosted by Mireya Perez, Interpreting Services Coordinator at Arlington Public Schools. Tune in to learn more about Mark’s career trajectory and about the strategies he has implemented to expand language access in K-12 schools across the U.S.

Episode 3
Misael Nascimento, Camino Education Consulting Group & Rockford Public Schools

In Episode 3, Mark Byrne welcomes Dr. Misael Nascimento, President & CEO of Camino Education Consulting Group and former Executive Director of Bilingual and Multicultural Services at Rockford Public Schools. With over 30 years of experience in education, Dr. Nascimento is a visionary program designer, creating innovative curricula that foster language acquisition and cultural appreciation. As a sought-after keynote speaker, he inspires audiences with his insights on educational equity, multilingualism, and inclusive education.

Episode 2
Tim Fournier, Baldwin Community Schools

In Episode 2, Mark Byrne welcomes Tim Fournier, Student Support Specialist at Baldwin Community Schools. Born in Detroit, Tim has devoted 30 years of his life to public education having worked for Detroit Public Schools, Grand Rapids Public Schools, and Baldwin Community Schools. Thanks to his multilingual background, Tim has been able to have a great impact on Multilingual Learner (ML) students ensuring that they not only develop language acquisition skills, but also have access to wraparound services to ensure that these families benefit from the best of what our school systems and communities have to offer.

Episode 1
Almeta Radford, Manassas City Public Schools

Welcome to Episode 1 of The Language Access Lectern, a podcast that focuses on language access in K-12 schools and general interest topics. Today, Mark Byrne welcomes Almeta Radford, Director of Public Communications at Manassas City Public Schools, one of the school districts Piedmont Global partners with. Tune in to learn more about Almeta’s podcast “Riding with the Radfords“, which she hosts along with her husband, as well as her views on language access in the education system.

 

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