Karla Andazola is a first-grade Spanish teacher at Bryan Elementary School, a dual language school in Lexington, Nebraska, and is graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with her Master of Arts with endorsements in dual language and ELL in May. She shares about her experience this this Q-&-A.
What inspired you to pursue your master's degree in dual language and ELL?
What inspired me to pursue my master’s degree in dual language and ELL was a combination of personal experience and a big desire to help and support multilingual learners and their families. Growing up in a bilingual household, I experienced firsthand the power and challenges of having to live learning multiple languages and cultures. I saw how language can either be a bridge but also a barrier for students, depending on the support they receive. Having experienced more challenges than successes for being a multilingual learner as a kid, I wanted to create an inclusive, equitable learning environment where all students could thrive, no matter their language background. I also wanted for my students to see someone that they could relate to who has used the gift of multilingualism to succeed in a career. Pursuing a master’s degree in dual language and ELL has helped me gain knowledge, tools, and strategies to make a meaningful difference in my student’s academic journeys and help them feel seen, valued, cared for and feel empowered for being multilingual.
What made Nebraska's program the best fit for you?
What made Nebraska’s program the best fit for me was the accessibility to the dual language program. It was not a program offered at every Nebraska campus and it was great to experience this journey from UNL. It was also a delight learning from all the knowledgeable professors in the program who helped guide and educate me along the way!
How has your experience in the program helped shape you as a teacher?
My experience in the master’s program has been transformative, both professionally and personally. I’ve deepened my knowledge and practical strategies that have strengthened my ability to support English Language Learners and also accomplish a life goal. Equally important to the impact of my journey, was the amazing professors I had the privilege of learning from. They consistently emphasized the importance of advocating for our ELL students and their families. I plan to keep advocating for ELLs and ensuring they have not only access to quality instruction but also a voice in the classroom and beyond.
What does it mean to you to graduate from Nebraska?
Graduating from Nebraska means more than just earning a master’s degree. Nebraska is known for its strong education program, and I feel proud to be part of that legacy. The quality of the program, the support from dedicated faculty, and the emphasis on preparing educators to truly make a difference have all shaped who I am as an educator. Above all, graduating from Nebraska with my master’s degree is an honor and gift to myself and my parents. Through this accomplishment, I am able to thank my parents for their sacrifice of migrating to this country in 1993 to give myself and my siblings a better future and grasp the “American dream”. We have accomplished it! ¡Lo hicimos!
How will this degree help you impact your students and community?
This degree has empowered me with the tools and training to make a strong meaningful impact on both my students and my community. I’ve been specifically trained to teach and support multilingual learners, which allows me to create an inclusive and effective learning environment where every student feels seen, valued, cared for and supported.
What advice do you have for individuals considering this program?
My advice for anyone considering this program is simple, GO FOR IT! Every teacher, no matter what grade level or subject area they teach, should have the proper training and educational knowledge to work with multilingual learners. Our classrooms are becoming more diverse every year, and even if you haven’t worked with English Language Learners, you likely will in the near future. This program not only gives you the tools and strategies to support ELLs effectively, but it also challenges you to grow as an educator. It pushes you to think more critically about equity, inclusion, and how to meet the needs of all students. This program is a powerful step toward becoming the kind of educator our students deserve.
College of Education and Human Sciences
Teaching, Learning & Teacher Education
Strong Communities
