DKGNJ Convention 2024  - Keynote Speaker

Dr. Denise Ammeraal Furlong, Ed. D., ED. M.

 Voices of Newcomers: Experiences of Multilingual Learners
by Denise Ammeraal Furlong, Ed.D.

The DKG Educators Book Award Committee has announced this year’s winning book: Voices of Newcomers: Experiences of Multilingual Learners, and we are pleased to have her as our keynote speaker at our DKGNJ State Convention on April 13, 2024. 

Dr. Ammeraal Furlong is a graduate of New Jersey colleges and a professor at Georgian Court University.  

Her book is an easy-to read, practical guide for the early career educator, the seasoned educator, and the administrator looking to meet the needs of Multilingual/English Learners, in particular Newcomers and SLIFE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education).
This author hopes to spark conversation and inspire creativity in working with Multilingual Learners as she shares valuable experiences on:

• How to manage the first days and weeks to assist the Newcomer in adjusting (academically, emotionally, and socially) to their new school and class.
• Asset-based perspectives on the progress of Multilingual Learners (MLs)
• Information that will help teachers academically engage these students, in addition to ways to assess and motivate them.
• Reflection questions and discussions for each chapter to guide book clubs or conversations in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
• Ready-to-use resources to support educators as they meet the needs of Multilingual Learners (MLs)

​This book gives the educational community time to pause and reflect on classroom activities, teaching styles, approaches to student feelings, attitude toward the Multilingual Learner, and insight into possible family situations or trauma that they have experienced.  By amplifying the voices of these students, their families, and their teachers, this handbook includes real-life stories to help educators understand these diverse perspectives.