TUFSD adds new Director of Multilingual Programs to staff

Tarrytown Union Free School District’s (TUFSD) new Director of Multilingual Programs comes with a lifetime of experience and knowledge of what it’s like to be a bilingual student. Experiencing language barriers first-hand, Judith Ravina learned what it takes to help others in the same position she was in growing up.

Born in Colombia and arriving in the United States at the age of eight, Ravina worked hard to take command of not one, but two languages. She watched her parents struggle to communicate, especially when it came to her and her brother’s education. Ravina stepped up and acted as a translator for them and vowed to always assist those in the same position her parents were in.

As an ESL student herself, Ravina jumped at the opportunity to be an ESL and 1st grade bilingual teacher. She has spent the past five years as the Director of Multilingual Programs in Mamaroneck Union Free School District, growing the program. Ravina will now bring her knowledge from that role to Tarrytown as she joins as their new Director of Multilingual Programs.

“Ms. Ravina brings an extensive amount of knowledge and experience to TUFSD,” said Dr. Raymond Sanchez, Superintendent of Tarrytown Union Free School District. “During her time in education she has assisted numerous families by empowering them to be active participants in their student's education.”

Using her own personal experiences as the basis for her educational outline, she has created an immersive program. Ravina reflected on her own struggles to figure out how to make it easier, accessible, and inviting to parents so they can become more involved.

“When I do parent meetings I do Spanish with a translation device in English then at the next meeting vice versa so everyone feels equal and understands. It makes parents feel like they can show up, voice their opinion, feel welcome and heard,” said Ravina.

This program helps not only dual language learners and their families but also provides insight as to what it’s like to those who speak only English. Her goal is to empower families to play an active role in their children’s education, regardless of their primary language and help them become better advocates for their students.