Washington educator to receive NEA Human and Civil Rights Award

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Relocating to Minnesota in 2005, Miralles joined the staff of Red Pine Elementary School on Rosemount, where she holds the position of K-5 English Language Learner (ELL) teacher. She has initiated pilot programs in collaborative teaching and in extended services for ELLs in kindergarten. A significant part of her educational practice is getting to know the children and their families, then connecting the families with the community and social services they often need. She recognizes that for ELLs, the task is most often greater than merely learning English. It requires bridging the gulf between the culture of their parents and the unfamiliar culture of American culture without losing the traditions their families have brought to their new country. Hence, in addition to her teaching, she interprets for parents and teachers in parent-teacher conferences and other venues, and makes sure parents understand the curriculum, how their children are doing in school, and how they can help their children at home.