Community Connectors Program Gives Pre-Service Teachers Role in Helping ESL Families Friday, November 14, 2025
Samantha Stanis (L) and Lily Marchand (R) demonstrated technology-based strategies for English Language Learners at The Global Impact Forum. Submitted photo.
Two education students have had a unique experience this semester as “community connectors” for English as a Second Language families in the Mt. Lebanon School District.
The role, funded by a Moonshot Grant from Remake Learning, was designed to strengthen relationships between schools, families and community partners. Community Connectors Samantha Stanis, an instructional studies major, and Lily Marchand, an elementary education major, have been based at Washington Elementary School.
“Our work is focused on bridging communication gaps between families and the American school system,” said Stanis. “We’ve worked directly with new students to understand their experience and how the school can assist their transition.”
Some of their tasks included creating a Newcomer's Handbook in six languages and a “Welcome to Your School” video. They are also developing a roadmap of resources and foundational planning for a district-wide "Global Community Fair" that would connect international families from various schools.
“We are learning so much about ESL students and their struggles, as well as the ESL teachers’ barriers and classroom teachers’ points of view,” said Marchand. "My eyes have been opened to each side of things. I know how much I, as a classroom teacher, will need to do the little things to support my ESL students.”
Both students said the project has taught them how things work on the administrative side of schools, a rare experience for a pre-service teacher. They've worked with Brook Webb, principal at Washington Elementary, who has dedicated a lot of time guiding them through the project.
“Because we are working directly with the principal, we are getting a look into the administrative aspect, something I’ve never had the opportunity to see before,” Marchand said.
Stanis said it would help her implement new things in her future classroom. “Creating and implementing new resources or events is a detailed process that is filtered through layers of administration. As a new teacher, I will understand the process a new idea undergoes to come to fruition.”
In addition to the incredible day-to-day experience, Stanis and Marchand and have had multiple opportunities to share what they have learned during the program.
Stanis traveled to Harrisburg with Dr. Ginny Chambers, dean of the School of Education, to present about the community connectors program at the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators annual assembly.
Additionally, both Stanis and Marchand had a student spotlight table at The Global Impact Forum, which focused on technology innovation. They attended the “Tech-Based Strategies for English Language Learners in Content Area Classrooms” at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and presented it at a Professional Development Day for teachers at Washington Elementary.
Marchand said one thing she’s learned is that “there are many people in schools and the community that want to and are able to help, they just don’t know how.” With the strides they’ve made this semester and what they’ve shared in these presentations, perhaps their work will enable some of those people to take action.