Professor Tricia Kelly believes multilingualism is a powerful asset, and through her leadership with Rhode Island Teachers of English Language Learners (RITELL), she’s working to ensure schools recognize and nurture that strength. As President of RITELL’s Coordinating Council, Kelly helps lead efforts that support multilingual students and elevate the educators who serve them, fostering more inclusive, affirming learning environments across Rhode Island.
RITELL is grounded in the belief that multilingualism is both a strength and a resource. The organization centers on the experience of students learning English across grade levels, while advocating for immigrant youth and families. It also uplifts the work of educators by creating spaces for connection, learning, and celebration. The RITELL Council often encourages members to share “bright spots” from their classrooms—successes that might otherwise go unrecognized but reflect the daily impact of culturally responsive teaching.
“When we uplift multilingual students and the educators who serve them, we build stronger, more inclusive schools,” says Professor Kelly. “At RITELL, we’re creating spaces for connection, celebration, and advocacy because multilingualism is not just a skill, it’s a strength that benefits everyone.”
Professional development is a cornerstone of RITELL’s work. The organization hosts an annual fall conference at Rhode Island College and a spring webinar series focused on topics such as family engagement, biliteracy, and immigration rights. These events provide educators with practical tools, a sense of community, and inspiration.
RITELL also celebrates both students and educators through annual awards. Each summer, the Multilingual Learner Teacher of the Year Award honors an outstanding educator. In 2024, RITELL introduced two new awards: Multilingual Student of the Year Awards, which were presented this spring in school-based ceremonies, and the Changemaker Award, which honors non-teaching school staff, such as counselors and teaching assistants, who have made a significant impact on multilingual learners.
Kelly’s advocacy also reaches beyond RITELL. This summer, she is partnering with The Coalition for Multilingual RI on a new initiative that will support three undergraduate students as they investigate the benefits of bilingualism across different sectors. The project aims to amplify multilingual voices in Rhode Island.
She also recently participated in Multilingual Education Advocacy Day at the Rhode Island State House, supporting legislation to expand dual-language programs and strengthen pathways to bilingual certification for educators. At Brown, she informally advises a student-led group focused on multilingual education policy and reform.
Whether in classrooms or at the State House, Professor Kelly’s work with RITELL and beyond reflects a clear vision: when a community rallies behind multilingual learners, meaningful change is possible.