Category: My Story

HHM Presentations

10/15/2020

This is the second year I get invited to schools to share about my immigrant journey and my Guatemalan heritage.
This year, I had the privilege to share with an elementary school and a high school! Besides schools, I also shared about my heritage on our local publish library's Facebook page.

Of course, because of the pandemic, these presentations were organized virtually but they were still fun and filled with so much learning.

Ross Elementary - Signature Music School in KS, held their annual Hispanic Heritage Assembly virtually and I had the honor to share a stage with the amazing artist Aaron de la Cuz. Since I knew I was presenting to an elementary audience, I shared my piñata, my cascarones (confetti filled egg shells), how I make my tortillas, and much more!
Here is the recording if you'd like to see it. I know students had a blast and they had really great questions (they always ask about the Ellen experience).

La Noticia

7/2/2020

Maestra usa sus experiencias como estudiante inmigrante para capacitar a otros profesores
“Teacher uses her experiences as an immigrant student to help others”

I am so honored and humbled that Julian Berger would take his time to write this fantastic article about my immigrant journey and teaching experience.

What makes it even better is that Julian graduated from my HS not long ago and knows teachers and students mentioned during our conversation. What a small world.

Here's a link to the article posted July 2nd, 2020

Thank you so much for reading!

Power Of Unity Virtual Symposium

6/24/2020

The Bilingual/ESL Department at Region 10 ESC in North TX holds an annual symposium for their 500+ educators. This year, due to the COVID pandemic, the event was help virtually.

I was honored and humbled to be invited as their 2020 Symposium 'Power Of Unity' keynote speaker. I was so excited to connect and meet so many passionate educators who are working hard to provide their very best for all students.

Day 1

Keynote Presentation

The keynote presentation was on June 23rd and it was a way to kick-off the symposium - teachers had a long day of sessions to attend right after the keynote.
My presentation title was 'Shifting from Statistics to Stories'

The presentation was streamed LIVE so you can find the recorded version on my YouTube channel below.

DBC Feature

5/1/2020

8. DBC, Inc. Live- Teacher Appreciation Series Featuring Emily Francis

I wanted to share this interview with you. On March 30th author and friend Tara Martin invited me to be on the Dave Burger Consulting, Inc Facebook live Teacher Appreciation Series.
During this interview I shared a story about a teacher and friend who has had a power impact in my life - professional and personal life, Angie Power.

I hope you tune in and hear how Angie Power took me under her wing and helped me become the teacher I am today.
Of course I made sure Angie hear this interview so I shared it with her and she responding with the message below.

Watch the recording on the DBC, Inc Facebook page or on Youtube - video below.

Tweet ##DBCincBooks

Working on a Book...Finally!

2/19/2020

"If there's a book you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it."
~ Tony morrison

With THE John Seidlitz and Sarah Welch

Last year I received a phone call from an author and very good friend, Carol Salva. Carol has always been so supportive of my work and is always sharing my immigrant journey during her presentations. She called me to let me know that John Seidlitz, the owner of Seidlitz Publishing, was interested in publishing my story. I cried! I was so excited to hear this because I've read several books published by Seidlitz and they are all centered around English learners and how to support them. I was also excited because finally, I was having the opportunity to publish my story.

This all became a reality on February 7th when John Seidlitz and Sarah Welch came to NC to visit me and discuss my future book.
There's not much I can tell you about the making, title, or format, or timing; but what I can tell you is that is coming!

My book is coming!!

Not only will I be sharing my immigrant journey and experiences as an English learner but also my students' stories.

Stories of struggle.
Stories of hope.
Stories of persistence.
Stories of family separation.
Stories immigration.
Stories of responsibility.
Stories of poverty.
Stories of English learning.
Stories that need to be heard...because stories MATTER!

Faxing my signed book contract with Seidlitz Publishing

As soon as I have more information I can share, I'll be posting about it. Thank you for supporting me and my work. I can't wait to share with you this amazing accomplishment.

Thank you for reading.

EdNC Featured Article

1/17/2020

On November 26th, 2019, I received an email from Alex Granados, a Senior Reporter for EducationNC. His email stated that he was "working on a series about "rock star" teachers...who are considered particularly beloved, effective, or innovative..." and he wanted to come to my school to learn more about me and my students.

Of course, we were thrilled to welcome him to our school and see our classes and students in action.

"I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become."
~Carl Jung

On December 4th, 2019, Mr. Granados visited our ESL classroom and was able to see my newcomers and my instruction in action!
My students were all working at their seats working on other class assignments and/or an assignments I had provided.
Meanwhile, I was pulling small groups to provide individualized and personalized instruction.

Mr. Granados interviewed me, observed my students, and met with my principal, Dr. Auerbach.
While Mr. Granados was in the room, we took a minute to cheer and celebrate one of our students. Oliver had just received a letter from the NC superintendent congratulating him for a recent recognition as Athlete of the Week for the Charlotte Observer.

I share this with you because I LOVE it (and students do too) when we are highlighted and featured for what we do best...learning and building a culture where the possibilities as endless!

My Favorite part of the article is this:
"Sitting in her classroom, one can see how that experience translates into a personal connection. The students work on their ESL assignments. But they also work on homework from their other classes, periodically checking in with Francis to ask questions or seek advice. The students chat with her in a way that is rare for students to interact with teachers.
“If I didn’t have my struggles and experiences, I wouldn’t be as effective as I am,” Francis said."

So, here is the beautiful article Mr. Granados featured on us! Enjoy!
An immigrant’s dream to be a teacher: Emily Francis of Cabarrus County

SIOP National Conference

7/29/2019

Some memories are unforgettable; Remaining ever vivid and heartwarming.
- Joseph B. Wirthling

During the summer of 2018, I received an email from SIOP® senior project manager at Pearson, Allyson Newton, with an invitation of a lifetime. The email was an invitation to serve as a featured keynote speaker at the 2019 SIOP® National Conference in Portland, OR.
Wow! I wish you would've seen my excitement. No words can explain how humbled and honored I felt to be considered. Not only was I going to personally meet THE SIOP® author, (incredible women I admire for their work and passion,) but I was also going to share a national stage with them. An opportunity I couldn't miss!

Contributing Author

7/26/2019

I am super excited to share that I have the greatest privilege and honor to be a contributing author in a new released book titled Community College Teacher Preparation for Diverse Geographies: Implications for Access and Equity for Preparing a Diverse Teacher Workforce.

"This book explores many topics related to the community college role in K-12 teacher education, including the community college mission, the policy landscape, partnerships, the transfer function, the community college baccalaureate, and others. Throughout the volume, the authors explore implications of access, equity, and geography and conclude with recommendations to guide future research and practice." ~ IAP

Our chapter: How an Unaccompanied Minor Became Teacher of the Year: The Unrealized Potential of the Community College - Dr. Spencer Salas, Bradley Smith, Bobbi Siefert, and Astrid Emily Francis.

To read more about it and/or to order a copy check out this link. The book will soon be available in all major online retailers and will also be available as an eBook.